A study conducted at Monash University, Australia, has demonstrated that a progressive run–walk interval training program, delivered digitally and supported remotely, is not only effective in reducing pain and disability in adults with chronic low back pain (LBP) but is also safe and acceptable for participants.

The 12-week program showed promising results in improving pain intensity and physical function, providing a reassuring option for those who may have avoided running in the past due to uncertainty about potential injury. The research reveals that these concerns may be counterproductive to pain management.

Chronic low back pain affects 7.5% of people worldwide and leads to significant years lived with disability. Current treatments for LBP often include exercise to reduce pain and improve physical function, yet there is limited research on the role of running as a viable option.

Despite concerns about the safety of running for those with LBP, recreational running has been linked to lower rates of back pain and healthier spinal conditions. This study aimed to evaluate whether this correlation could be turned into an effective treatment for individuals suffering from non-specific chronic LBP.

Previous research into high-intensity aerobic exercise in LBP has focused mainly on cycling, with limited evidence supporting the efficacy of running.

The current study, titled “Running is acceptable and efficacious in adults with non-specific chronic low back pain: the ASTEROID randomised controlled trial,” published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, explores the effectiveness of a run–walk intervention specifically designed for adults with chronic LBP, comparing it against a control group to assess its efficacy and acceptability.

The study involved 40 participants aged 18–45 with non-specific chronic LBP. The intervention group participated in a run-walk interval program over 12 weeks, with three 30-minute sessions per week. The control group was placed on a waitlist and advised to continue their usual care without starting any running exercises.

The results showed significant improvements in pain and disability for the intervention group. Average pain intensity decreased by 15.3 points on a 100-point visual analog scale, while current pain intensity dropped by 19.35. Participants also experienced reduced disability as measured by the Oswestry Disability Index of 5.2 points. Training adherence was strong, with participants attending 70% of the prescribed sessions, equating to roughly 2.1 out of 3 weekly sessions.

There were no cases of attrition in the study, indicating that participants found the program acceptable and feasible. Nine non-serious adverse events were reported, mostly involving lower limb injuries, but none were severe enough to cause long-term issues. The findings suggest that with appropriate guidance, a run-walk program can be a safe, affordable and easily accessible strategy for adults managing chronic LBP, or at least a step in the right direction.