Low back pain, a highly prevalent and disabling condition, results in recurrence within 12 months of recovery in about 70% of the individuals, contributing significantly to the disease and economic burden due to high medical costs and long work absenteeism. Exercise combined with education helps prevent recurrences, disability, and absenteeism, but exercise programs often require close supervision and equipment, making them costly and less accessible. Walking, a low-risk and adaptable exercise, offers numerous health benefits and is accessible to most people; yet its effectiveness in preventing recurrences of low back pain has not been examined in clinical trials.
A clinical study (WalkBack) conducted by Pocovi et al., recently published in “The Lancet” aimed to assess the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of an individualized, progressive walking and education program compared to no treatment, in preventing the recurrence of low back pain. The intervention was significantly effective in preventing recurrence of low back pain, with a reduction in the episodes of activity-limiting back pain by 28% compared to no treatment. Thus, walking was found to be a cost-effective intervention, that will help healthcare burden (see graphic).
(Source: Pocovi NC, Lin CC, French SD, Graham PL, van Dongen JM, Latimer J, Merom D, Tiedemann A, Maher CG, Clavisi O, Tong SYK, Hancock MJ. Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of an individualised, progressive walking and education intervention for the prevention of low back pain recurrence in Australia (WalkBack): A randomised controlled trial. Lancet. 2024 Jun 19:S0140-6736(24)00755-4. Doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(24)00755-4)