When people use straps but lift the same weight they normally lift without straps, they feel like it’s easier — but if they lift more weight because straps help, it feels just as hard as lifting without straps.
Scientific Claim
Perceived exertion during deadlifts is lower when lifting straps are used with a load based on non-strap 1-repetition maximum compared to both deadlifts without straps and deadlifts with straps using a strap-assisted 1-repetition maximum.
Original Statement
“Perceived exertion was lower during DLwn than DLnn and DLww.”
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 implies straps 'decrease perceived exertion' as a benefit, but the design (blinding, control) is unconfirmed. Only association can be claimed. The verb 'was lower' is descriptive, but the interpretation overstates causation.
More Accurate Statement
“Perceived exertion during deadlifts is associated with lower ratings when lifting straps are used with a load based on non-strap 1-repetition maximum, compared to deadlifts without straps or with straps using a strap-assisted 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 reduce perceived exertion during deadlifts across populations and protocols.
Whether lifting straps consistently reduce perceived exertion during deadlifts across populations and protocols.
What This Would Prove
Whether lifting straps consistently reduce perceived exertion during deadlifts across populations and protocols.
Ideal Study Design
A meta-analysis of 12+ crossover RCTs in resistance-trained adults, measuring perceived exertion via Borg CR10 scale during 4x4 deadlifts at 80% 1RM, comparing no-straps, straps with non-strap 1RM, and straps with strap-assisted 1RM.
Limitation: Cannot determine if reduced exertion leads to greater long-term training adaptations.
Randomized Controlled TrialLevel 1bIn EvidenceCausal effect of strap use on perceived exertion during deadlifts under controlled conditions.
Causal effect of strap use on perceived exertion during deadlifts under controlled conditions.
What This Would Prove
Causal effect of strap use on perceived exertion during deadlifts under controlled conditions.
Ideal Study Design
A double-blind crossover RCT with 30+ trained participants, randomized to three conditions (no straps, straps with non-strap 1RM, straps with strap-assisted 1RM), with Borg CR10 ratings collected immediately after each set, and order counterbalanced with 72h washout.
Limitation: Perceived exertion is subjective and may be influenced by expectation or prior experience with straps.
Prospective Cohort StudyLevel 2bLong-term association between strap use and reduced perceived exertion during regular deadlift training.
Long-term association between strap use and reduced perceived exertion during regular deadlift training.
What This Would Prove
Long-term association between strap use and reduced perceived exertion during regular deadlift training.
Ideal Study Design
A 6-month prospective cohort of 100+ lifters tracking perceived exertion (Borg CR10) during weekly deadlift sessions, comparing habitual strap users vs. non-users, controlling for training history, volume, and intensity.
Limitation: Cannot isolate strap effect from other training variables.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
Ergogenic effects of lifting straps on movement velocity, grip strength, perceived exertion and grip security during the deadlift exercise.
When people used lifting straps with the same weight they could lift without straps, they felt less tired than when lifting without straps or when using straps with a heavier weight. So the study supports the claim.