A study by Macquarie University has discovered that adults with a history of low back pain can significantly extend the periods between pain recurrences by engaging in regular walking. The research involved 701 adults who participated in a walking program, showing a median delay of 208 days before experiencing pain again, compared to 112 days for those not in the program. The findings, which highlight the cost-effectiveness and accessibility of walking as a preventive measure, could influence future back pain management strategies.
The team is now looking to integrate these findings into routine patient care. A groundbreaking study has found that adults with a history of low back pain experienced nearly twice the duration without a recurrence when they walked regularly. Low back pain affects approximately 800 million people globally and is a leading cause of disability and reduced quality of life.
Repeated episodes of low back pain are also very common, with seven in 10 people who recover from an episode going on to have a recurrence within a year. Current best practice for back pain management and prevention suggests a combination of exercise and education. However, some forms of exercise are not accessible or affordable to many people due to their high cost, complexity, and need for supervision.
Macquarie University’s Clinical Trial A clinical trial by Macquarie University’s Spinal Pain Research Group has looked at whether walking could be an effective, cost-effective, .