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New Serola Sacroliac Belt
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PLACEMENT OF THE BELT
Position and placement of the sacroiliac belt was tested in several unrelated experiments. Each group tested the upper position (at or just under the anterior superior iliac spine [ASIS] and above the trochanters) and lower position (directly on the trochanters). The trochanters are the top of the leg bones that protrude out from the sides of the hips.
Those favoring the high position:
Snijders [1] developed a biomechanical model of the sacroiliac joint and found that "the belt must be positioned just cranial to the greater trochanter and caudal to the SI-joints. This is essential, because a higher position (higher than the upper position) could be useless or even counterproductive. A position of the belt caudal to the SI-joints has the added advantage, that it can counteract nutation by pressure on the caudal-dorsal side of the sacrum."
Vleeming [2] found "Wearing the belt just above the greater trochanters achieved self-bracing of the pelvis."
Damen et al. [3] studied healthy volunteers, using Doppler imaging of vibrations, which is a reproducible and reliable method of measuring SI laxity. They used a belt that measured about 3 inches wide at the SIJ, and fitted with strain gauges. They found that the belt provided less laxity (greater stability) in both the upper and lower positions but greater stability in the upper position.
Those favoring the low position:
Pel et al. [4]used a biomechanical model of the pelvis, incorporating 100 vector forces of surrounding muscles, 8 ligaments, and 22 vectors for joint forces. They studied the effects on muscle activation patterns and sacroiliac joint stability with application of a pelvic (sacroiliac) belt in two positions, 1) the higher position, on the pelvic bone, just below the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) and above the trochanters, and 2) the lower position, right on the head of the femur (trochanters). They found that "The stability of the SIJ increased: SIJ compression force increased by 52% and SIJ vertical shear force reduced by 10%." They concluded that "In many patients with lower back and/or pelvic girdle pain, external pelvic compression by a pelvic belt at either high (coxal) level or low (femur) location relieves the pain." They also stated that "Femur compression (lower position) reduced vertical SIJ shear force and increased SIJ compression force best, thus enhanced SIJ stability".
Those favoring both positions, depending on purpose:
Mens et al. [5] studied women who were experiencing pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain, also using Doppler imaging of vibrations and also while performing the Active Straight Leg Raise (ASLR). In agreement with Damen, et al, above, they found that both the upper and lower positions significantly increased SIJ stability (lowered laxity) with the Doppler IV, but the upper position was again significantly more stable than the lower. However, with the ASLR test no difference was found in ability to raise the legs between the upper and lower belt positions.
In another study of 21 non-pregnant patients with peripartum pelvic girdle pain, Mens et al.[6] found that "ASLR (active straight leg raise test) with a belt reduced the impairment in 20 patients...One patient felt increased pain in the symphysial region as soon as the belt was tightened. Ten patients preferred the low position, seven the high position, and three had no preference."
Mens et al. [7] tested muscle strength on post-pregnant women during the Active Straight Leg Raising test. Eighty percent showed increased strength with half of the women preferring the high position and half the lower one.
Mens et al. [6] found that 20 of 21(95%) women had reduced impairment with a sacroiliac belt. "Ten patients preferred the low position of the belt, seven the high position, and three has no preference."
It should be noted that Damen et al. and Mens et al. tested the subjects in the prone position, where a lot of muscles are relaxed, while, in the Pel experiment, the model was considered standing.
REFERENCES
1. Snijders CJ: Transfer of Lumbosacral Load to Iliac Bones and Legs: Part 1 - Biomechanics of Self-Bracing of the Sacroiliac Joints and its Significance for Treatment and Exercise. Clinical Biomechanics 1993a, 8:285-294.
2. Vleeming A: Towards An Integrated Therapy For Peripartum Pelvic Instability-A study Of The Biomechanical Effects Of Pelvic Belts. In Proceedings of the 1st Interdisciplinary World Congress on Low Back Pain and its Relation to the Sacroiliac Joint. 1992
3. Damen L, Spoor CW, Snijders CJ, Stam HJ: Does a pelvic belt influence sacroiliac joint laxity? Clinical biomechanics (Bristol, Avon) 2002, 17:495-498.
4. Pel JJ, Spoor CW, Goossens RH, Pool-Goudzwaard AL: Biomechanical model study of pelvic belt influence on muscle and ligament forces. Journal of biomechanics 2008.
5. Mens JM, Damen L, Snijders CJ, Stam HJ: The mechanical effect of a pelvic belt in patients with pregnancy-related pelvic pain. Clinical biomechanics (Bristol, Avon) 2006, 21:122-127.
6. Mens JM, Vleeming A, Snijders CJ, Stam HJ, Ginai AZ: The active straight leg raising test and mobility of the pelvic joints. Eur Spine J 1999, 8:468-473.
7. Mens JA, Vleeming A, Snidjers C, Stam HJ: Active straight leg raising test: a clinical approach to the load transfer function of the pelvic girdle. In Movement, Stability, and Low Back Pain. Edited by Vleeming A, Mooney V, Dorman T, Snidjers C, Stoeckart R: Churchhill Livinstone; 1997: 425-431
As the elastic pulls the cotton layer backwards, folds may develop in the cotton layer if it is not tight enough.
During painful episodes, the Serola Sacroiliac Belt should be worn as much as possible during the day and night. If irritation is encountered while wearing the belt, discontinue use and see a doctor who is familiar with the spine.
For maximum safety, support, and to help avoid pain, the Serola Sacroiliac Belt should be worn whenever you engage in activities involving bending, lifting or twisting.
Hand wash in cold water.
After childbirth 147 patients used a pelvic belt. Of these patients 10% reported more pain, 23% no effect, and 67% a positive effect.
J.M.A Mens, et al 1992
Studies have shown that, because all pelvic joints loosen during pregnancy, use of a sacroiliac belt will most likely prevent asscoiated pain during and after pregnancy.
Snijders, et al 1992,
Vleeming et al 1990,
Hansen JH 1992
Use of a pelvic belt appears to be useful in treating peripartum pelvic pain.
Snijders, et al 1992
DIRECTIONS
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHERE DO I MEASURE?
1. Place your hands on the sides of your hips and move your legs.
2. You will find the tops of your leg bones, called trochanters, move under your hands.
3. Gently dig into your leg with your fingers and find the tops of your trochanters.
4. On front of your pelvis, on each side, you will find a bony point called Anterior Superior Iliac Spine (ASIS) just below your waist.
5. Measure two inches about the tops of your trochanters, just below the ASISs.
HOW DO I WEAR THE BELT?
1. Wear the Serola Sacroiliac Belt just above the leg bones that protrude from the sides of your hips (trochanters), and just below ASIS in front of your hips.
2. Close the belt tightly around your hips.
3. Pull the two elastic bands around toward the front. To ensure the best fit, always put the belt on this manner.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ORIGINAL & NEW BELT?
The new Serola Sacroiliac Belt is the same belt in basic function but with a significant change in comfort and grip. The first layer is changed from cotton to an open-cell urethane foam. More...