Effects of an intensive Nordic walking intervention on the balance function and walking ability of individuals with Parkinson’s disease: a randomized controlled pilot trial

A clinical practice guideline on Parkinson disease was developed by an American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) volunteer guideline development group that consisted of physical therapists and a neurologist. The guideline was based on systematic reviews of current scientific and clinical information and accepted approaches for management of Parkinson disease. The Spanish version of this clinical practice guideline is available as a supplement. (Suppl. Appendix 1).

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“…Aggregate evidence quality: 20 high-quality studies 100 , 102 , 109 , 110 , 216–231 and 13 moderate-quality studies. 125 , 232–243 …”

Section: Gait Training ♦♦♦♦mentioning

confidence: 99%

Physical Therapist Management of Parkinson Disease: A Clinical Practice Guideline From the American Physical Therapy Association

Osborne

Botkin²,

Colón-Semenza

et al. 2021

Physical Therapy

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“…Although a significant improvement was observed in both rehabilitation groups, neither of them hit the MDC threshold of 3.5 s (29.8%); therefore, the change cannot be considered clinically relevant. The TUG and its modifications (TUGFS—timed up-and-go forced speed—and TUGSS—timed up-and-go at self-selected speed) are often used in PD studies, including NW, but the results are not always positive [ 22 , 42 , 43 ]. Considering that median baseline TUG results in both groups were within normal limits (<10 s) in our study, substantial improvements could not be expected.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39) [ 41 ] was used to measure changes in the general health status and quality of life of our participants. It is the most commonly used self-reported, disease-specific health status measure, which ascertains patient difficulties across 8 dimensions of daily living: mobility, activities of daily living (ADL), emotional well-being, stigma of the disease, social support, cognition, communication, and bodily discomfort [ 10 , 20 , 22 , 42 , 43 , 44 ]. The measure is very subjective but thoroughly reflects the well-being of patients with PD.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effectiveness of 6-Week Nordic Walking Training on Functional Performance, Gait Quality, and Quality of Life in Parkinson’s Disease

Szefler-Derela

Arkuszewski²,

Knapik

et al. 2020

Medicina

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Background and objectives: Motor rehabilitation improves physical mobility and quality of life in Parkinson’s disease (PD). As specialized rehabilitation is expensive and resource-consuming, there is a need for simpler, cost-effective methods. The purpose of the study was to determine whether Nordic Walking (NW) training may support the management of motor disability in PD. Materials and Methods: Forty patients (median age 64.0 years, range 50–75 years) with idiopathic PD, Hoehn and Yahr stages II–III, were randomly assigned to NW or standard rehabilitation (SR) programs, comprising twelve rehabilitation sessions conducted bi-weekly throughout the 6-week study period. Results: Median Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale part III scores were significantly reduced with NW, by 8.5, and with SR, by 6.0 points (both p < 0.001), with significantly greater improvement with NW than with SR (p = 0.047). Gait quality and balance control, measured using the Dynamic Gait Index, improved with NW by a median of 8.0 and with SR by 5.5 points (both p < 0.001), with slightly greater improvement with NW, compared to the SR group (p = 0.064). Quality of life, assessed using the Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39), improved with NW by a median of 15 and with SR by 12 points, p = 0.001 and p = 0.008, respectively. Conclusions: The 6-week Nordic Walking program improves functional performance, quality of gait, and quality of life in patients with PD and has comparable effectiveness to standard rehabilitation.

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“…In view of this specific feature, NW has been proposed as potentially helpful in the rehabilitation programmes of specific neurological diseases. [49][50][51] Indeed, NW poles can provide further stability and better trunk posture over time, which is particularly appealing for individuals presenting motor-functional impairments, postural instability and fear of falling, as is the case in post-stroke survivors.…”

Section: Total (95% Ci)mentioning

confidence: 99%

Nordic walking for individuals with cardiovascular disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Cugusi

Manca

Yeo

et al. 2017

Eur J Prev Cardiolog

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Background Exercise is the cornerstone of rehabilitation programmes for individuals with cardiovascular disease (IwCVD). Although conventional cardiovascular rehabilitation (CCVR) programmes have significant advantages, non-conventional activities such as Nordic walking (NW) may offer additional health benefits. Our aim was to appraise research evidence on the effects of Nordic walking for individuals with cardiovascular disease. Design Systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods A literature search of clinical databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane) was conducted to identify any randomized controlled trials, including: (i) individuals with cardiovascular disease, (ii) analyses of the main outcomes arising from Nordic walking (NW) programmes. Data from the common outcomes were extracted and pooled in the meta-analysis. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were calculated and pooled by random effects models. Results Fifteen randomized controlled trials were included and eight trials entered this meta-analysis. Studies focused on coronary artery disease, peripheral arterial disease, heart failure and stroke. In coronary artery disease, significant differences between NW+CCVR and CCVR were found in exercise capacity (SMD: 0.49; p = 0.03) and dynamic balance (SMD: 0.55; p = 0.01) favouring NW+CCVR. In peripheral artery disease, larger changes in exercise duration (SMD: 0.93; p < 0.0001) and oxygen uptake (SMD: 0.64; p = 0.002) were observed following NW compared with controls. In heart failure, no significant differences were found between NW and CCVR or usual care for peak VO and functional mobility. In post-stroke survivors, functional mobility was significantly higher following treadmill programmes with poles rather than without (SMD: 0.80; p = 0.03). Conclusions These data portray NW as a feasible and promising activity for individuals with cardiovascular disease. Further studies are necessary to verify whether NW may be incorporated within CCVR for individuals with cardiovascular disease.

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Effects of an intensive Nordic walking intervention on the balance function and walking ability of individuals with Parkinson’s disease: a randomized controlled pilot trial

Abstract: Our outcomes provide evidence of the therapeutic benefit of Nordic walking on a treadmill to improve balance function and walking ability in individuals with PD.

Cited by 31 publications

References 26 publications

Physical Therapist Management of Parkinson Disease: A Clinical Practice Guideline From the American Physical Therapy Association

Physical Therapist Management of Parkinson Disease: A Clinical Practice Guideline From the American Physical Therapy Association

Effectiveness of 6-Week Nordic Walking Training on Functional Performance, Gait Quality, and Quality of Life in Parkinson’s Disease

Nordic walking for individuals with cardiovascular disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

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