All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Engineers have developed a vest for back pain
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
Pain in the spine, in one or another of its sections, is a common and important problem for many patients. Doctors encounter such symptoms regularly.
Currently, more than 50% of adults worldwide suffer from periodic or systematic back pain, for various reasons. For example, according to statistics, back pain of varying intensity bothers about 80% of Americans.
Specialists are depressed not only by the mass spread of the problem, but also by its “rejuvenation”: if earlier such pains were typical only for middle-aged and elderly people, now even teenagers can have problems with the spine. As American doctors have noted, over sixteen years the number of people seeking help for back pain has increased by at least 10%.
The same statistics also provide other indicators: up to 40% of patients complain that pain interferes with their daily life, 37% have sleep disturbances due to pain, and 38% of patients have given up any physical activity due to pain.
Engineers from Vanderbilt University have invented a unique vest, the main function of which is to support the spine during heavy lifting and active movements. The invention was first presented at the last Australian congress of the International Biomechanical Society in Brisbane.
"We are annoyed by TV characters who are equipped with special suits that give their heroes superpowers. A huge number of people demand such items of clothing for themselves. But our task is not to give a person superpowers, but to relieve him of suffering and the inability to perform everyday tasks - for example, many complain that they cannot hold their own baby in their arms," jokes about this Karl Zelik, a leading engineer.
A unique development is a two-section vest, one part of which holds the chest section, and the other is fixed at the upper part of the legs, connecting to the chest section with rubber straps. The straps can be loosened, tightening only before the start of physical activity.
When the belts are fixed, the vest holds the lumbar region and prevents excessive strain when bending the torso. Specialists conducted clinical experiments with volunteers, which allowed them to prove that the vest "unloads" the back muscles by 45%.
"Many patients rush to get rid of serious back problems with the help of means that are not scientifically proven and not approved, often - homemade. I have seen many patients who, due to constant pain, can neither work nor take care of themselves at home. Our invention - a unique vest - is obliged to solve the problems of such people for a long time, and without unpleasant consequences," says Aaron Young, who specializes in spinal pathologies at the Medical Center at Vanderbilt University.
To date, only a presentation of this invention has taken place. Information regarding the launch of mass production of vests, the start of sales and the estimated price of the device has not yet been received.