Abstract
Aims/background
Current treatment recommendations advocate various exercise modalities for people with chronic Low Back Pain (cLBP)1. Walking appears to represent an inexpensive and readily accessible activity for a range of individuals, including those who were previously sedentary. However, the effectiveness of such interventions are uncertain in cLBP.
Methods
A systematic review was undertaken to examine the effectiveness of walking interventions across a range of chronic musculoskeletal pain conditions, including LBP. Six electronic databases were searched for relevant studies. Data for pain and self reported function were extracted and where appropriate, results were pooled and analysed using RevMan (v.5).
Results
Twenty studies with a total of 1852 participants (Mean: 96) were included in the review. Only two provided data for cLBP, Data from one of these was not analysed as only median values were reported. The remaining study found no effect in favour of the walking intervention for pain (mean difference = −0.50 [95% confidence interval = −16.23, 17.23]) with a moderate improvement in function (−22.56 [−40.84, −4.26]). For osteoarthritis, analysis revealed small to moderate differences for both pain (−6.23 [−11.22, −1.24]; n=7) and function (−10.90 [−20.61, −1.19]; n=5).
Discussion
Despite the potential benefits associated with walking, results of this systematic review found limited evidence to support the use of such interventions for people with cLBP. Further studies where walking is the predominant component of an overall intervention and which closely monitor any associated adverse events are required.
References
1 Hayden JA , van TulderMW, MalmivaaraA, KoesBW. Exercise therapy for treatment of non-specific low back pain. Cochrane Database Syst Rev.2005;20(3).CrossrefPubMed Google Scholar
Conflict of interest ‘No conflicts of interest’
Sources of funding ‘No funding obtained’
We confirm that this abstract has not been previously published in whole or substantial part nor has it been presented previously at a national meeting.
