Participants were categorized into four groups based on their daily walking duration: less than 78 minutes, 78-100 minutes, 101-124 minutes, and 125 minutes or more.

A recent study conducted in Norway, analyzing data from over 31,000 participants in the Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT4) between 2017 and 2023, has revealed significant findings regarding walking and chronic lower back pain.

Out of the participants, approximately 15% reported experiencing chronic low back pain, highlighting the prevalence of this condition.

The study found that walking at least 100 minutes per day is associated with a 23% lower risk of developing chronic lower back pain.

Moreover, walking at a moderate to brisk intensity may offer additional benefits in reducing pain risk, particularly for older adults.

In fact, the reduction in back pain risk was more pronounced among individuals aged 65 and older compared to their younger counterparts.

The intensity of walking also played a crucial role, as faster walkers reported greater reductions in low back pain than those who walked at a slower pace.

To accurately monitor their physical activity levels and categorize walking intensity, participants were equipped with motion-tracking devices.

However, the study has limitations, including its observational nature and the short duration of activity measurement, which may not accurately reflect long-term walking habits.

This research was supported by the European Union’s Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme under grant agreement No. 101072993.