Australian researchers have, for the first time, demonstrated that swimming can reduce daily life limitations for people suffering from lower back pain. Their findings were published in the “British Journal of Sports Medicine.”
According to the experts, a two-month swimming program supervised by a physiotherapist significantly enhanced physical function. It also proved far more effective at alleviating pain than simply providing information. The study involved 76 adults aged 26 to 74, all of whom had experienced pain lasting for at least three months.
Participants were divided into two groups. One group followed a personalized eight-week swimming regimen with the support of a physiotherapist, while the other group received standard pain education and basic care.
After a few months, the swimming group reported a 50% reduction in pain and limitations compared to their baseline levels. Swimmers scored 2.5 points lower on the limitation scale, marking a 30% improvement over the control group.
The medical experts noted that water helps enhance mobility, muscle strength, and aerobic endurance. Buoyancy enables movements that might be painful on land.
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