Research supports run-walk interval training as a way to reduce chronic lower back pain

A study conducted at Monash University, Australia, demonstrated that a progressive run-walk interval training program, delivered digitally and supported remotely, is not only effective in reducing pain and disability in adults with chronic low back pain (LBP), but is also safe. and acceptable to participants.

The 12-week program showed promising results in improving pain intensity and physical function, providing a reassuring option for those who may have avoided running in the past due to uncertainty about potential injury. Research reveals that these concerns can be counterproductive to pain management.

Chronic low back pain affects 7.5% of people worldwide and causes many years of disability. Current treatments for low back pain often include exercise to reduce pain and improve physical function, but research into the role of running as a viable option is limited.

Despite concerns about the safety of running for people with low back pain, recreational running has been linked to lower rates of back pain and healthier spinal conditions. This study aimed to evaluate whether this correlation could be transformed into an effective treatment for people with chronic non-specific low back pain.

Previous research on high-intensity aerobic exercise in the treatment of low back pain has primarily focused on cycling, with limited evidence supporting the effectiveness of running.

The current study, titled “Running is acceptable and effective in adults with chronic nonspecific low back pain: the ASTEROID randomized controlled trial,” published in the British Journal of Sports Medicineexplores the effectiveness of a running-walking intervention specifically designed for adults with chronic low back pain, comparing it to a control group to assess its effectiveness and acceptability.

The study involved 40 participants aged 18 to 45 suffering from chronic non-specific low back pain. The intervention group participated in a 12-week run-walk interval program, with three 30-minute sessions per week. The control group was placed on a waiting list and advised to continue their usual care without starting any running exercises.

Results showed significant improvements in pain and disability for the intervention group. Mean pain intensity decreased by 15.3 points on a 100-point visual analog scale, while current pain intensity decreased by 19.35. Participants also saw a reduction in their disability, measured by the Oswestry Disability Index of 5.2 points. Adherence to training was strong, with participants attending 70% of prescribed sessions, which equates to approximately 2.1 out of 3 weekly sessions.

There were no cases of attrition in the study, indicating that participants found the program acceptable and feasible. Nine non-serious adverse events were reported, mostly involving lower extremity injuries, but none were serious enough to cause long-term problems. The results suggest that with appropriate guidance, a run-walk program can be a safe, affordable, and easily accessible strategy for adults with chronic low back pain, or at least a step in the right direction.

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