Independent studies by multiple universities all found that abdominal muscle activity does not increase when wearing the Apex and that it has no adverse effect on other muscles.
Although the Apex reduces back muscle activity, it does not do so at the expense of increasing muscle demands on other parts of the body. This is because the energy stored in the Apex’s elastic bands comes from gravity, not from the user’s abdominal muscles having to work harder.
Peer-reviewed studies by Iowa State University, Vanderbilt University, and the University of Wyoming all concluded that abdominal muscle activity does not increase when wearing the Apex (Lamers 2020, Gorsic 2021, Kang 2023). The University of Wyoming study reported that when wearing the Apex “no adverse effects on other muscles or during non-lifting tasks were noted” (Gorsic 2021).
This conclusion is further bolstered by HeroWear field data (N=408) showing reductions in discomfort across a wide range of body parts (see #4 The Apex reduces bodily discomfort), which would not be observed if the Apex had increased demands on other body parts.
Collectively, these academic studies and field study data provide strong converging evidence that the Apex does not interfere with or increase demands on other muscles or body parts.