A team of physiotherapists from Macquarie University in Australia has demonstrated the benefits of regular walking for back health. Researchers stated that walking could be a cost-effective and simple way to prevent recurring back pain. This conclusion was reached after an experiment showed that patients who walked daily reported significantly fewer complaints of back pain.
Experts found that individuals who walked five times a week for an average of 30 minutes each day and received guidance from a physiotherapist experienced back pain half as often. The researchers also noted that regular walks improved the quality of life for patients, and the amount of time they needed to rest during work was nearly cut in half.
Currently, treatment and prevention of back pain combine physical exercises, therapy, and, in some cases, surgical intervention. However, scientists point out that some forms of exercise are inaccessible or impractical and often require supervision.
Globally, around 800 million people suffer from lower back pain. Among those who recover, 7 out of 10 experience flare-ups within a year. Therefore, systematic walking could significantly alter the landscape of back-related illnesses, which are a leading cause of disability worldwide.
What Scientists Discovered
During the study, researchers observed more than 700 adults who had recently been treated for lower back pain, which they had been experiencing for three years.
Half of the randomly selected volunteers were assigned an individualized walking program and training sessions with a physiotherapist. The other half formed a control group. Participants in this group received no recommendations but could seek treatment if symptoms returned, according to the Independent.
According to Professor of Physiotherapy Mark Hancock, the first group reported fewer instances of pain that limited activity compared to the control group.
Professor Hancock ultimately noted, “Walking is an inexpensive, widely accessible, and simple exercise that almost anyone can do, regardless of geographic location, age, or socioeconomic status.”
“We don’t exactly know why walking is so effective in preventing back pain, but it likely involves a combination of gentle oscillating movements, loading and strengthening the structures and muscles of the spine, relaxation, and tension relief,” the researcher added.
He also mentioned that walking offers many other health benefits, particularly for cardiovascular health, bone density, healthy weight, and mental well-being.
The findings of the study were published in the journal Lancet.
Commenting on the results, Dr. Atali Redwood-Brown from the School of Sport Sciences at Nottingham Trent University in the UK stated, “Walking helps alleviate mechanical back pain by improving muscle strength, flexibility, and circulation, which are crucial for spinal health.”