Sign up for CNN’s Fitness, But Better newsletter series. Our seven-part guide will help you ease into a healthy routine, backed by experts. Getting your steps in is good for your health, but it may also help keep you from being affected by disability later, new research has found. Walking 100 minutes a day was associated with a 23% reduced risk of chronic low back pain, according to a study published Friday in the journal JAMA Network Open. “This is an important finding because walking is a simple, low cost, and accessible activity that can be promoted widely to reduce the burden of low back pain,” said lead study author Rayane Haddadj, a doctoral candidate in the department of public health and nursing at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, in an email. An estimated 600 million people worldwide experience low back pain, which is considered the leading cause of disability, said physiotherapist Dr. Natasha Pocovi, a postdoctoral research fellow in health sciences at Macquarie University in Sydney. She was not involved in the research. By 2050, the number of people with chronic low back pain is expected to grow to 843 million, according to the World Health Organization. And yet prevention of low back pain is often overlooked in research and clinical practice, Pocovi added. The results from this latest study show there is the possibility of using physical activity as prevention. Pocovi said the research also “suggests that we don’t need to complicate our exercise routines to protect ourselves against chronic low back pain.” More steps, less pain To investigate the connection between walking and back pain prevention, the research team analyzed data from more than 11,000 participants age 20 and older from the Trøndelag Health, or HUNT, Study in Norway. Between 2017 and 2019, HUNT researchers asked study participants to wear accelerometers for seven days to track their walking patterns. The HUNT team then followed up from 2021 and 2023 and asked if participants experienced back pain, according to the new study. People were divided into four groups: those who walked less than 78 minutes in a day, 78 to 100 minutes, 101 to 124 minutes, and more than 125 minutes. The findings showed that as the amount of daily walking increased, the risk of chronic low back pain decreased, and preliminary evidence revealed moderate or brisk walking was more protective than a slow pace, Pocovi said. There are reasons to have confidence in the study results, including the large sample size and the use of accelerometers instead of people reporting their own levels of physical activity, she added. However, the walking data was only captured over one week, which might not be reflective of people’s patterns over a month or year, Pocovi said. The study is also observational, which means that while it can show associations, researchers can’t say for sure that the walking caused reduced risk of low back pain. Getting more walking in Not only is low back pain a leading cause of disability –– it’s also expensive. On average, people spend more than $30,000 on back pain-related costs over the five years after first diagnosis, according to an April 2024 study. Easy, inexpensive changes that prevent chronic low back pain can make a big difference, Haddadj said. The study wasn’t able to address if walking 100 minutes straight had more, less or the same impact as accumulating that same amount of time in short bursts, Pocovi said. But in most cases, unless there is an underlying medical condition, any amount of walking is better than none, Pocovi said. “Start with short walking sessions, either by planning specific walks or finding small ways to integrate a brief stroll into your daily routine,” she said. She likes to take stairs instead of the elevator or walk to a coffee shop a little farther from her home, Pocovi said. “The key is to gradually increase your walking in a sustainable and enjoyable way,” she said in an email. “Additionally, it can be helpful to have a friend, partner, or colleague join you for walks to keep yourself motivated and accountable.” You can add walking as a way to spend time with friends in addition to dinner and drinks, CNN fitness contributor Dana Santas, a certified strength and conditioning specialist and mind-body coach in professional sports, said in a previous article. And if you want to move past getting a couple of extra steps and get more physical activity, you can still start small and build your way up, Santas said. Some workouts can even be completed from the comfort of your couch while watching an episode of your favorite TV show, she added.
Walking more may lower your risk for chronic low back pain by 23%, study suggests
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Study Finds Walking 100 Minutes Daily May Reduce Chronic Low Back Pain Risk by 23%"
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TruthLens AI Summary
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open highlights the potential health benefits of walking, specifically its association with a significant reduction in the risk of chronic low back pain. The research, led by Rayane Haddadj from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, found that walking for at least 100 minutes a day can lower the risk of experiencing chronic low back pain by 23%. This finding is particularly crucial given the global prevalence of low back pain, which affects approximately 600 million people and is projected to increase to 843 million by 2050, according to the World Health Organization. Dr. Natasha Pocovi, a physiotherapist and postdoctoral research fellow, emphasized the importance of this study as it suggests that simple activities like walking can serve as effective preventive measures against low back pain, which is often overlooked in clinical practice.
The study analyzed data from over 11,000 participants aged 20 and older, utilizing accelerometers to accurately track their walking patterns over a week. Participants were categorized based on their daily walking durations, and the results indicated that increased walking was linked to a lower risk of chronic low back pain. Importantly, moderate to brisk walking was found to be more beneficial than slower paces. While the study's observational nature limits the ability to establish a direct causal relationship, the large sample size and objective data collection lend credibility to the findings. Pocovi recommended that individuals start with manageable walking sessions and gradually increase their activity levels, integrating walking into daily routines, such as taking the stairs or walking to distant locations. This approach not only promotes physical health but can also enhance social interactions, making walking a versatile and enjoyable form of exercise.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article presents research findings that suggest walking more can significantly reduce the risk of chronic low back pain. This information is timely, given the increasing prevalence of low back pain globally. The study's implications are broad, as they highlight a simple, cost-effective intervention that could lead to better health outcomes for many.
Purpose Behind the Publication
The primary goal of this article appears to be raising awareness about the positive health benefits of walking, particularly in preventing chronic low back pain. By presenting this research, the publication aims to encourage individuals to incorporate more physical activity into their daily routines. The emphasis on walking as a straightforward, accessible form of exercise makes the message relatable and actionable for the general public.
Public Perception and Messaging
The article likely intends to foster a perception that chronic low back pain is preventable through simple lifestyle changes, rather than being an inevitable consequence of aging or other risk factors. The data from the study, which suggests a 23% reduction in risk with increased walking, serves to empower readers by presenting them with a clear action they can take to improve their health.
Potential Omissions or Controversies
While the article focuses on the benefits of walking, it does not address potential limitations or confounding factors in the study. For instance, it does not discuss the types of walking (e.g., brisk vs. leisurely) or other forms of exercise that may also contribute to back health. This omission could lead to a skewed understanding of back pain prevention.
Trustworthiness of the Information
The reliability of the article hinges on the credibility of the study published in JAMA Network Open and the qualifications of the researchers involved. Citing a peer-reviewed journal lends weight to the findings, yet the article could benefit from a more comprehensive discussion of the methodology to enhance transparency.
Target Audience
This article is likely to resonate more with individuals who are health-conscious or those experiencing back pain, as well as healthcare professionals looking for preventive strategies to recommend to patients. By framing walking as an easy solution, the article appeals to a broad audience, including sedentary individuals and those seeking simple lifestyle changes.
Economic and Social Implications
If the findings encourage more people to adopt walking as a regular activity, there may be long-term economic benefits, such as reduced healthcare costs associated with treating chronic low back pain. Additionally, promoting physical activity could enhance overall public health, potentially leading to a more productive workforce.
Market Impact
The article does not directly address stock market implications, but companies in the fitness and health sectors, particularly those selling walking-related products (such as shoes or fitness trackers), may see increased interest and sales as a result of heightened awareness about walking's health benefits.
Geopolitical Context
While the article primarily focuses on health and lifestyle, it touches on a broader global health issue, as low back pain is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Addressing such health challenges aligns with global health initiatives and can contribute to international discussions on preventive healthcare strategies.
Use of Artificial Intelligence
It is possible that AI tools were employed in drafting this article, particularly in analyzing data trends or simplifying complex information for broader readership. However, the tone and structure of the article suggest a human touch in crafting a motivating narrative about health and wellness.
In conclusion, the article presents credible research findings that promote walking as a preventive measure against chronic low back pain. While it effectively communicates a positive health message, more thorough exploration of the study's limitations could enhance its reliability.