94 patients with long-standing moderate lumbar stenosis (LSS) were randomized to receive either decompressive surgery or non-operative treatment. The results of the 6-year follow up indicated that the functional ability of patients receiving both treatments improved, with a more significant difference observed in the surgical group (P=0.006). As well, it was found that patients from the surgical group experienced less leg and lower back pain after the 6, 12 and 24 month follow up; however, this difference between the surgical and non-operative group was not apparent at 6 year follow up. Lastly, it was found that walking kinematics improved in both groups at 6 year follow up.