Instead of deciding between the arduous practices of crunches or sit-ups to get a tight abdomen, you can choose between a number of electronic belts that promise the same results. Two of the belts, the Slendertone Flex Pro Abdominal Muscle Toner and the Contour Ab belt, have a few notable differences as well as several things in common, including complaints.
Explanation
Both the Slendertone Flex Pro Abdominal Muscle Toner and the Countour Ab belt use electronic muscle stimulation to achieve a tighter, firmer abdominal area. A battery-operated unit on or near the belt sends electrical impulses through gel pads in the belt to the abdominal area, causing the muscles to contract. The contractions mimic abdominal crunches and sit-ups.
Details
Both belts are about 6 inches wide and fairly bulky. The Contour Ab belt's detachable battery pack is larger and more cumbersome than the Slendertone Flex Pro's built-in unit. The Contour Ab belt is available in a core and sports version while the Slendertone company offers men and women versions of three abdominal belts as well as gender-specific arm toners and a butt toner for women.
Considerations
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved each product as a class II medical device, a categorization that requires both products to meet a host of special requirements to make sure they are safe for people to use. In addition to the general guidelines, class II medial devices must meet international and U.S. performance standards, have special labels and undergo constant surveillance.
Complaints
Both products come with complaints. Slendertone products have two complaints on file with the FDA. One involves the batteries bursting and injuring the belt's user in 2008. The other was a 2005 incident where the product possibly caused the user's cardiac defibrillator to malfunction, and send him a jolt that knocked him down and landed him in the hospital. Complaints against the Contour Ab belt noted on Diets in Review include the possibility of it causing burns or skin irritation, although no specific cases are detailed.
Price And Manufacturer
The Contour Ab's price remains steady at $199 in December 2010 while the Slendertone Flex Pro Abdominal Muscle Toner was on sale for $99, according to the respective manufacturer's websites. Slendertone Flex Pro's manufacturer is Bio-Medical Research LTD, with a Slendertone distribution center in Minnesota and main headquarters in Ireland. The Minnesota-based company Contour Technologies, LLC., makes the Contour Ab belt.
References
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Overview: FDA Regulation of Medical Devices
- Slendertone U.S.A.
- The Contour: Core Sculpting System
- Diets in Review: Contour Abs Belt
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Adverse Event Report, Slendertone Flex Belt, Malfunction
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Adverse Event Report, Slendertone Flex, Other
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