Experimental comparison of the knee joint loading during nordic walking and walking

Inverse Dynamic Analysis of the Lower Extremities during Nordic Walking, Walking, and Running

“…The highest maximum knee external rotation moment in NW, which occurs in the push-off phase, is caused by the higher maximum internal rotation angle during NW compared with R. However, the main reason for this higher moment is probably the higher maximum exorotation of the foot during push-off for NW compared with W and R. Significant differences for this knee external rotation moment are only indicated between NW and W, which can be explained by the high standard deviation in R (Figure 2). Franz et al (2006) also did not observe a reduction of knee external rotation moment for NW compared with W.…”

“…In the scientific literature, only a few serious biomechanical studies have been published investigating the differences in mechanical load between NW, W, and R. In this context, Brunelle and Miller (1998) found that, at the same speed, the vertical ground reaction forces during landing are higher for NW compared with W. This result has been confirmed by a study conducted by Rist et al (2004). Jöllenbeck et al (2006) as well as Thorwesten et al (2006) also showed that there is no reduction of the vertical ground reaction force in NW compared with W. In addition, Hagen et al (2006) found that, except for the second peak of vertical force, NW results in higher loading rates and horizontal forces compared with ordinary W. Furthermore, Franz et al (2006) reported no differences between NW and W in knee external rotation moments and knee flexion moments. In contrast to W and NW, R, at the same speed, results in 30% greater vertical force and is characterized by higher knee loading (up to 40%) in comparison with NW (Schwameder & Ring, 2006).…”