Overview

• People who walked more than 100 minutes per day had a 23% lower risk of future chronic low back pain than those walking 78 minutes or less.
• Walking volume showed a stronger association with reduced risk than intensity, though faster walking contributed a smaller additional benefit.
• The peer-reviewed JAMA Network Open analysis followed 11,194 adults from Norway’s HUNT study using thigh and back sensors worn for up to a week.
• Experts highlight walking as a low-cost prevention strategy for a widespread condition that drives substantial disability and health spending.
• Researchers note the findings are observational with a short measurement window, and they encourage further study before formal prevention guidelines.