Low back pain is pervasive globally, affecting millions. And though it is usually self-limited, recurring symptoms are common, adding significantly to both personal disability and economic costs. Despite exercise being recommended for prevention, the effectiveness of easy, accessible interventions like walking has been uncertain.
In the WalkBack trial, a randomised controlled study, those enrolled had recently recovered from non-specific low back pain. Participants received either a tailored walking and education program or no treatment. The study tracked outcomes over 1-3 years, focusing on the days until recurrence of activity-limiting low back pain as the primary outcome of interest.
The intervention group (the people with the walking and education program) experienced a significant reduction in low back pain recurrence compared to the control group. Median time to recurrence was much longer in the intervention group (208 days) versus the control group (112 days). Adverse events were similar between groups, though more lower-extremity issues were noted in the intervention group.
This study shows the effectiveness of a structured walking and education program in reducing low back pain recurrence. The findings suggest that such interventions, delivered by physiotherapists, can be scalable and cost-effective, potentially reshaping how low back pain is managed on a broader scale. The focus on empowering individuals to self-manage their condition aligns with current guidelines. Future research could explore adaptations of the intervention and its delivery to optimise outcomes and accessibility, particularly in different demographic groups.
Care Plans
Medicare subsidised Care Plans play an important role in chronic disease management. Patients with eligible chronic medical conditions can receive up to five rebated sessions each year under the supervision of a Exercise Physiologist or Physiotherapist, under an Enhanced Primary Care Plan.
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