Authors Chubb, Shirley (1); Moore, Ann (2); Bryant, Neil (1); Saber-Sheikh, Kambiz (2)  
Affiliations 1: University of Chichester, UK; 2: University of Brighton, UK
 
The "Significant Walks" project reveals the reality and positive impact of walking for individuals with chronic low back pain (LBP), a substantial but often invisible physical problem. Funded by the Wellcome Trust, the project brought together a collaborative research team of two visual artists, a musculoskeletal physiotherapy expert and a biomechanical engineer.
Objectives: The project involved working with twelve participants with non-specific, chronic LBP who were invited to identify a regular necessary, or recreational walk that could be used as a measure of their physical experience and capability.
Methodology: The research methodology records each walk by synthesizing point of view video documentation with simultaneously gathered biomechanical data collected via inertial sensors recording the movement of the participant’s spine. Additional layers of interpretation are added to the synthesized footage as the team worked with participants to explore personal narratives and how visual effects could further express the nature, challenge and reward of their chosen walk. The intensity of these effects was driven by the biomechanical data creating a sequence of films that are simultaneously qualitative and quantitative in the way that they interpret clinically accurate data whilst also expressing individual experience.
Results: The project showed how digital technology enabled each participant to express the connection between walking and an awareness of personal well-being.
Conclusions: By disseminating outcomes in arts and health related venues and contexts "Significant Walks" has raised awareness of the invisibility and commonality of LBP to a wider community whilst also promoting walking as an enabling and positive activity.