The WalkBack Trial: A Step Forward in Managing Chronic Low Back Pain
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The WalkBack Trial: A Step Forward in Managing Chronic Low Back Pain

The WalkBack Trial: A Step Forward in Managing Chronic Low Back Pain

Earlier this year, our physiotherapist, Bruce Gilmore, attended the World Congress on low back and pelvic girdle pain. There, he learned about the groundbreaking WalkBack Trial. In this blog, Bruce shares insights from this important study and explores how walking can benefit those living with chronic low back pain.

Physiotherapist, Bruce Gilmore

I had the pleasure of attending the World Congress in low back and pelvic girdle pain earlier this year. World leaders in lower back pain research presented the most up to date work across medical, surgical and Allied Health fields. One of the presenters, Natasha Pocovi (PhD) from Macquarie University in Sydney presented her work on the WalkBack Trial. This study was recently published in the medical journal The Lancet. Following on from this, the topic has received a lot of media attention, including these articles in The Conversation, The Guardian and SBS.

Chronic lower back pain is a prevalent condition that affects millions of people globally, often leading to significant physical limitations and decreased quality of life. Brighton Spine and Sport Clinic is a multidisciplinary clinic offering comprehensive management solutions for lower back pain.

The WalkBack Trial was designed to investigate the effectiveness of a walking program in alleviating chronic lower back pain compared to standard care. Participants were randomly assigned to either the walking program or the control group, which received usual care. The walking program consisted of progressively increasing walking sessions, personalised to each participant’s capabilities and pain levels. A Physiotherapist helped participants by using a pragmatic motivational and goal centred program. This was referred to as health coaching.  This approach ensured that the exercise regimen was both manageable and beneficial, aiming to gradually enhance physical activity.

One of the most compelling outcomes of the WalkBack Trial, was the significant reduction in pain intensity among participants in the walking program. Over the course of the trial, these individuals reported lower pain scores and improved functional mobility compared to the control group. This finding is particularly noteworthy because it underscores the potential of non-pharmacological interventions in managing chronic pain, reducing the reliance on medications that often come with undesirable side effects.

In addition to pain reduction, the WalkBack Trial also highlighted improvements in mental health and overall well-being among participants. Chronic pain is frequently associated with anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. We acknowledge the psychological burden of persistent pain. By engaging in regular physical activity through the structured walking program, participants experienced not only physical relief but also psychological benefits. The psychological benefits may partly come from the reduction in pain experienced, but also from getting out of the house, being stimulated by the outdoor environment and potential social interaction. Spending the day inside the house can be very isolating for many people.

The success of the WalkBack Trial has significant implications for healthcare providers and patients alike. It emphasizes the importance of incorporating exercise-based interventions into treatment plans for chronic lower back pain. For patients, it offers hope and a practical, accessible strategy for managing their condition.

The WalkBack Trial represents a pivotal step forward in the management of chronic lower back pain. By demonstrating the efficacy of a structured walking program, it provides a valuable alternative to traditional treatments, with the added benefits of enhancing mental health and overall well-being.

Here at the Brighton Spine and Sports Clinic we recognize the mental and physical effects of Chronic lower back pain. We have seen the benefits of regular walking for many of our patients over the years and have been strong advocates for regular exercise in the management of all musculoskeletal conditions. It is important to remember that there are many different causes for chronic lower back pain and not all patients with back pain are able to walk or will improve with walking.  But there are many alternative forms of exercise and our team are here to help guide you on your path to recovery.  For those needing help in supporting their emotional needs we have two excellent psychologists working with our physical therapists.  Multidisciplinary pain management means our team work in collaboration to help you achieve your goals.

 

If there is a part of your condition or injury that you are struggling to understand, be sure to seek clarification with your medical professional. None of the information in this article is a replacement for proper medical advice. Always seek advice from your trusted medical professional regarding your health and/or medical conditions.