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

A study conducted at Monash University, Australia, has shown that a progressive running 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 also safe is. and acceptable to the 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 possible injuries. The research shows that these concerns can be counterproductive to pain management.

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

Despite concerns about the safety of running for people with lower back pain, recreational running is associated with less back pain and healthier spinal conditions. This study aimed to evaluate whether this correlation can be translated into an effective treatment for individuals suffering from non-specific chronic low back pain.

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

The current study, entitled “Running is Acceptable and Effective in Adults with Nonspecific Chronic Low Back Pain: The ASTEROID Randomized Controlled Trial,” published in the British Journal of Sports Medicineexamines the effectiveness of a run-walk intervention specifically designed for adults with chronic low back pain, and compares it to a control group to assess its efficacy and acceptability.

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

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

There were no instances of attrition in the study, indicating that participants found the program acceptable and feasible. Nine non-serious side effects were reported, most of which involved lower extremity injuries, but none were serious enough to cause long-term problems. The findings suggest that a running program, with proper guidance, can be a safe, affordable and easily accessible strategy for adults struggling with chronic low back pain, or at least a step in the right direction.

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