Aerobic Walking Just As Effective At Reducing Lower Back Pain As Expensive Therapies

Scientists in Israel have determined that aerobic walking several times a week is as helpful in reducing lower back pain as expensive muscle strengthening regimens that require specialized equipment in rehabilitation clinics. An effective program involves walking two to three times a week for 20 to 40 minutes. Current muscle strengthening programs usually require specific equipment and supervised exercises. For the study, 52 patients with lower back pain were divided into groups that either took part in a clinic-based muscle strengthening program or an aerobic walking program. Both groups improved significantly in all areas of assessment, researchers said.