Effect of a prototype lumbar spinal stenosis belt versus a lumbar support on walking capacity in lumbar spinal stenosis: a randomized controlled trial

104 patients with lumbar stenosis and symptomatic neurogenic claudication were randomized to receive a prototype lumbar spinal stenosis belt or a lumbar support. The primary outcome of interest was walking capacity, measured with the self-paced walking test (SPWT). The proportion of patients who displayed a minimum 30% and 50% improvement in the SPWT was also calculated. Follow up was performed within a week of baseline testing. Results from the study revealed no significant differences between groups in SPWT results. Furthermore, the proportion of patients who displayed a minimum 30% or 50% improvement in the SPWT was not significantly different between the two treatment groups. Interestingly, a higher proportion of patients in the prototype lumbar spinal stenosis belt group experienced discomfort while wearing the belt compared to the lumbar support group.