Walking 100 Minutes a Day Reduces Risk of Chronic Lower Back Pain
Individuals who walked more than 100 minutes per day had a 23% reduced risk of chronic lower back pain (LBP), according to a recent study. The research, published in the journal JAMA Network Open, aimed to determine whether daily walking volume and intensity were linked to the risk of developing chronic LBP.
The study found that for those walking less than 125 minutes per day, an increased walking intensity of more than 3.00 MET per minute decreased the risk of chronic LBP. However, the reduction in risk plateaued beyond 100 minutes of walking per day, suggesting an optimal duration for reducing the likelihood of developing chronic LBP.
Low back pain is a common public health concern, affecting a significant portion of the population. A staggering 84% of individuals experience low back pain at some point in their lives, with 23% eventually developing chronic issues. This condition not only has a substantial personal impact but also poses economic and societal challenges.
Studies have shown that engaging in various levels of physical activity can influence the risk of chronic LBP. Both very low and very high levels of physical activity have been associated with an increased risk of chronic and radiating LBP, indicating a complex relationship between activity levels and back pain.
Overall, this study underscores the importance of regular physical activity, such as walking, in reducing the risk of chronic lower back pain. With the high prevalence of LBP worldwide, adopting healthy lifestyle habits, including adequate levels of physical activity, can contribute to better overall health and well-being.
