Comparison of the Effects of Walking with and without Nordic Pole on Upper Extremity and Lower Extremity Muscle Activation

Abstract

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Nordic pole walking on the electromyographic activities of upper extremity and lower extremity muscles. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were randomly divided into two groups as follows: without Nordic pole walking group (n=13) and with Nordic pole walking group (n=13). The EMG data were collected by measurement while the subjects walking on a treadmill for 30 minutes by measuring from one heel strike to the next. [Results] Both the average values and maximum values of the muscle activity of the upper extremity increased in both the group that used Nordic poles and the group that did not use Nordic poles, and the values showed statistically significant differences. There was an increase in the average value for muscle activity of the latissimus dorsi, but the difference was not statistically significant, although there was a statistically significant increase in its maximum value. The average and maximum values for muscle activity of the lower extremity did not show large differences in either group, and the values did not show any statistically significant differences. [Conclusion] The use of Nordic poles by increased muscle activity of the upper extremity compared with regular walking but did not affect the lower extremity.

Identification of the forces developed by upper limbs in various forms of human physical activity and in manual techniques used by physiotherapists – a brief review

“…Wilson et al [10] think that the poles help to increase the walking speed, whereas Schiffer et al [11] believe that the influence of the force developed by upper limbs on putting the human body into motion seems to be little and that upper limbs are important for keeping the body balance. Shim et al [14] verified whether there are any differences between Nordic Walking and walking without poles on upper and lower limb muscle activation. Average values and maximum values of the muscle activity of upper limbs were significantly different.…”

“…Shim i wsp. [14] zweryfikowali, czy istnieją różnice w aktywności mięśni kończyn górnych i dolnych między chodem Nordic Walking a chodem bez kijków. Średnie i maksymalne wartości aktywności mięśni kończyn górnych różniły się istotnie statystycznie, natomiast wartości aktywności mięśni kończyn dolnych nie wykazały różnic między chodem Nordic Walking a chodem bez kijków.…”

Substantiating Appropriate Motion Capture Techniques for the Assessment of Nordic Walking Gait and Posture in Older Adults

“…Several studies have used 3-dimensional motion capture systems 4,6 and digital video cameras 2,5 , all with force plates incorporated into the system, in order to adequately assess gait. While additionally, other studies have employed other means of assessing Nordic poling gait including use of electrogoniometry 7 , electromyography (EMG) 8 , and strain gauges mounted to poles 2,9 . With the technique utilized in this protocol, it presents the specific advantage of being able to demonstrate a more appropriate representation (i.e.…”

“…Following a technique previously used on healthy young adults by Jensen and colleagues 9 , placement of a strain gauge on each of the poles could assist in the assessment of kinetic gait measurements. And lastly, following a technique employed by Shim and colleagues 8 , using electromyography (EMG) with this protocol can aid in understanding the specific muscle activation patterns of both the upper and lower extremities during Nordic walking.…”

Polestriding Intervention Improves Gait and Axial Symptoms in Mild to Moderate Parkinson Disease

“…It involves walking upright and looking forward with the poles used bilaterally in a movement similar to cross-country skiing. Compared to normal walking, polestriding involves greater activation of arm and trunk muscles to produce larger arm swings and trunk rotation 12 . Placement of the poles provides additional points of support, thereby increasing stability.…”