Which of the following statements about back belts and their effectiveness in preventing back injury is supported by research in the context of stress and immune function?

• A. Back belts are proven to reduce psychological stress.
• B. Back belts do not decrease the risk of back injury.
• C. Back belts significantly strengthen the immune system.
• D. Back belts are recommended for all workers to prevent illness.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the context of the question, which relates to the effectiveness of back belts in preventing back injury, specifically considering research on stress and immune function.
2. Step 2: Recognize that back belts are often used with the intention of providing physical support to the back, but their psychological and physiological effects (such as stress reduction or immune system strengthening) need to be evaluated based on empirical research.
3. Step 3: Review research findings that examine whether back belts reduce the risk of back injury, focusing on studies that measure injury rates among workers who use back belts versus those who do not.
4. Step 4: Analyze evidence regarding the impact of back belts on psychological stress and immune function, noting whether there is scientific support for claims that back belts reduce stress or enhance immune response.
5. Step 5: Conclude from the research that back belts do not significantly decrease the risk of back injury, nor do they have proven effects on psychological stress or immune system strengthening, which aligns with the statement that 'Back belts do not decrease the risk of back injury.'