Summary The effects on maximal isometric trunk muscle strength and endurance after wearing a soft heat-retaining lumbar belt or a weightlifter's belt were studied. The soft belt (SB) study group comprised 12 construction workers with healthy backs, and the weightlifter's belt (WB) group comprised 24 construction workers with current or previous low back pain. The strength and endurance measurements were performed before the start of belt use, and after 1 and 2 months. The SB group increased the trunk flexor strength by 13% (p ≤ 0.01) after 2 months. The WB group increased the trunk flexor strength and endurance by 12% and 29%, respectively (p ≤ 0.001). No significant decrease of trunk muscle strength and endurance was found at the end of the follow-up period.