A recent research revealed that individuals who walked for 30 minutes five times per week experienced nearly half the frequency of lower back pain relapses. The researchers suggested that increased emphasis on preventative measures could result in significant cost reductions in the future.
A recent study featured in the medical journal The Lancet suggests that taking frequent walks can be an affordable and simple method to possibly help prevent various health issues. recurring back pain .
The trials demonstrated that patients who engaged in 30-minute walks five days per week and received guidance from a physical therapist experienced less frequent exacerbations compared to those in the control group.
The research team noted that patients experienced an enhanced perception of their overall well-being, and the duration of leave from work decreased by nearly fifty percent.
Inexpensive and simple activities suitable for nearly everyone.
The writers expressed optimism that these affordable and straightforward measures could have a "significant effect" on a condition that stands as the primary cause of disabilities globally.
"Walking is an affordable, easily available, and straightforward form of physical activity that nearly everyone can participate in, irrespective of their geographical setting, age, or economic background," stated co-author Mark Hancock, a physiotherapy professor at Macquarie University in Australia.
It is estimated that approximately 800 million individuals globally experience lower back pain. Among those who recuperate from an initial bout, seven out of ten often encounter relapses within one year.
What was the process of the study like?
The research tracked 700 adults who had recently overcome an instance of lower back pain over a span of up to three years.
One half was randomly selected for a personalized walking regimen along with support from a physical therapist, whereas the remaining participants formed a control group and followed their own individual or medically recommended actions.
Hancock stated that the intervention group experienced less frequent activity-limiting pain than the control group, and also saw a prolonged average time until their next episode, with a median duration of 208 days versus 112 days for the control group.
How could walking benefit your back health?
"The exact reason why walking effectively prevents back pain remains unclear, but it probably involves several factors: the rhythmic back-and-forth motions, strengthening the spine and associated muscles, promoting relaxation and reducing stress, as well as releasing mood-enhancing endorphins," Hancock suggested.
He mentioned that walking provided numerous additional significant health advantages, such as enhancing cardiovascular fitness, increasing bone density, aiding in weight loss, and boosting mental well-being.
The researchers observed that lower back pain has become an increasingly prevalent issue globally due to extended lifespans and greater tendencies towards inactive lifestyles both at work and during free time.
They also mentioned that given the increasing strain on healthcare systems globally, an insufficient amount of resources was being allocated to research, prevention, and treatment in this field.
msh/sms (dpa, Lancet)
