When people use lifting straps for deadlifts, they feel more confident and stronger — even if they’re lifting the same weight as without straps.
Scientific Claim
Perceived grip security and perceived power during deadlifts are higher when lifting straps are used, regardless of whether the load is based on strap-assisted or non-strap 1-repetition maximum, compared to deadlifts without straps.
Original Statement
“Perceived grip security and power were greater during DLwn and DLww compared to DLn.”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
overstated
Study Design Support
Design cannot support claim
Appropriate Language Strength
association
Can only show association/correlation
Assessment Explanation
The abstract uses 'greater' descriptively, but the conclusion implies straps 'allow for' better grip security — implying causation. No blinding or control for expectation bias is confirmed, so association is the only valid inference.
More Accurate Statement
“The use of lifting straps during deadlifts is associated with higher perceived grip security and perceived power compared to deadlifts performed without straps, regardless of whether the load is based on strap-assisted or non-strap 1-repetition maximum.”
Gold Standard Evidence Needed
According to GRADE and EBM methodology, here is what ideal scientific evidence would look like to definitively prove or disprove this specific claim, ordered from strongest to weakest evidence.
Systematic Review & Meta-AnalysisLevel 1aWhether lifting straps consistently increase perceived grip security and power across diverse populations and training contexts.
Whether lifting straps consistently increase perceived grip security and power across diverse populations and training contexts.
What This Would Prove
Whether lifting straps consistently increase perceived grip security and power across diverse populations and training contexts.
Ideal Study Design
A meta-analysis of 10+ RCTs or crossover trials in resistance-trained adults, using standardized 7-point Likert scales for grip security and power perception, comparing strap vs. no-strap deadlifts at 80% 1RM, with pooled effect sizes and heterogeneity analysis.
Limitation: Cannot determine if perceived gains translate to actual performance or long-term adaptation.
Randomized Controlled TrialLevel 1bIn EvidenceCausal effect of lifting straps on perceived grip security and power during deadlifts.
Causal effect of lifting straps on perceived grip security and power during deadlifts.
What This Would Prove
Causal effect of lifting straps on perceived grip security and power during deadlifts.
Ideal Study Design
A double-blind crossover RCT with 25+ trained individuals, randomized to three conditions (no straps, straps with non-strap 1RM, straps with strap-assisted 1RM), with perception measured via validated 10-point scales immediately post-set, and order counterbalanced with 72h washout.
Limitation: Perception is subjective and may be influenced by expectation or placebo.
Cross-Sectional SurveyLevel 3Prevalence and correlation of strap use with self-reported confidence in powerlifting populations.
Prevalence and correlation of strap use with self-reported confidence in powerlifting populations.
What This Would Prove
Prevalence and correlation of strap use with self-reported confidence in powerlifting populations.
Ideal Study Design
A survey of 500+ competitive powerlifters asking frequency of strap use and rating of perceived grip security/power on a 1–10 scale, controlling for experience, training volume, and equipment preferences.
Limitation: Cannot establish directionality or causation.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
Ergogenic effects of lifting straps on movement velocity, grip strength, perceived exertion and grip security during the deadlift exercise.
The study found that when people used lifting straps during deadlifts, they felt more secure and stronger, no matter how much weight they were lifting — even if the weight was based on how much they could lift with or without straps.