The Effects of Nordic Walking and Slope of the Ground on Lower Limb Muscle Activity

Pšurný, Martin; Svoboda, Zdeněk; Janura, Miroslav; Kuboňová, Eliška; Bizovská, Lucia; Lemos, Rodolfo I. Martínez; Abrantes, João

doi:10.1519/jsc.0000000000002195

Cited by 4 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 28 publications

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“…Previous studies have shown the beneficial effects of NW programs on biomechanical 3 and physiological 4 parameters. It has been observed that NW training increased muscle activity in the lower extremities compared with walking, particularly on level ground 8 . In their meta-analysis, Rodrigues et al 9 evaluated the risk of fractures and confirmed that NW may improve physical functioning and BMD in the lumbar spine, but they suggested that more evidence is needed.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Nordic walking with an integrated resistance shock absorber affects the femur strength and muscles torques in postmenopausal women

Wochna¹,

Ogurkowska²,

Leszczyński

et al. 2022

Sci Rep

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Deterioration of the structure and function of the musculoskeletal system represents a significant problem during aging and intervention with a suitable load of physical activity may improve the quality of life. Nordic walking (NW) has become a popular and easily accessible form of activity, especially for older adults people around the world. Thus, the purpose of the study was to evaluate the influence of an Nordic walking training program with classic poles (NW) and with integrated resistance shock absorber (RSA) on bone mineral density and the peak torques of upper limb muscles and to compare the effects of both intervention programs. 25 women were randomly assigned to two training groups: 10 subjects using RSA (68 ± 4.19 years) and 15 subjects using NW poles (65 ± 3.40 years), which completed 8 weeks of training program. The hip, spine and forearm areal bone mineral density, torques of the flexors and extensors at the elbow and shoulder joints were measured before starting the training programs and after their completion. The most significant effect was found in differences between the two groups of women with respect to the femur strength index (p = 0.047) and the ratio of the flexors to extensors in the elbow (p = 0.049) and shoulder (p = 0.001) joints and peak torque of flexors in the shoulder joint (p = 0.001) for the left arm. A significant difference was also found in the index of torque asymmetry of flexors in the shoulder joint (p = 0.002). The study shows that Nordic walking with RSA poles for postmenopausal women led to beneficial changes in the femur strength index. However, we found no significant influence on bone mineral density values measured on the whole body, the femoral neck, forearm or lumbar spine regions. The occurrence of asymmetry in biomechanical muscle parameters, which was observed using RSA poles, may suggest the necessity of systematic controlling the gait technique to avoid the adverse consequences of asymmetrical rotation of the lumbar spine.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Nordic walking with an integrated resistance shock absorber affects the femur strength and muscles torques in postmenopausal women

Wochna¹,

Ogurkowska²,

Leszczyński

et al. 2022

Sci Rep

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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Influence of the Nordic Walking Intervention Program on the Improvement of Functional Parameters in Older Women

Panou

Giovanis

Tsougos

et al. 2019

Topics in Geriatric Rehabilitation

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Background: Nordic Walking is a total body type of exercise that can be performed by nonathletes as a health-promoting physical activity. Aims: In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of a Nordic Walking interventional program in older adults, with regard to the potential improvements in functional parameters. Methods: Thirty-five women (mean age: 67.86 years, SD: 4.44 years) participated in a 25-week Nordic Walking program, while 25 women (control group, mean age: 76.97 years, SD: 8.14 years) did not engage to any type of exercise during the same period. Functional parameters were assessed using the Senior Fitness Test and the Bosco Counter-Movement Jump Test at baseline and after the completion of the program. Results: In the experimental group, improvements were observed in all functional parameters assessed by the Senior Fitness Test, including strength, flexibility, movement coordination, dynamic balance, and aerobic capacity. No such correlations were found in the control group. Similarly, with regard to the parameters recorded using the Counter-Movement Jump Test, there was an improvement in strength from baseline to the final measurements. Conclusions: Our findings confirmed previous evidence regarding the beneficial effects of Nordic Walking on functional parameters in older adults.

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Pole Walking Is Faster but Not Cheaper During Steep Uphill Walking

Giovanelli¹,

Mari²,

Patini³

et al. 2022

International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance

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Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare pole walking (PW) and walking without poles (W) on a steep uphill mountain path (1.3 km, 433 m of elevation gain) at 2 different intensities: a maximal effort that would simulate a vertical kilometer intensity and a lower intensity (80% of maximal) simulating an ultratrail race. Methods: On the first day, we tested the participants in the laboratory to determine their maximal physiological parameters, respiratory compensation point, and gas exchange threshold. Then, they completed 4 uphill tests along a mountain path on 4 separate days, 2 at their maximum effort (PWmax and Wmax, randomized order) and 2 at 80% of the mean vertical velocity maintained during the first 2 trials (PW80 and W80, randomized order). We collected metabolic data, heart rate, blood lactate concentration, and rating of perceived exertion at the end of each trial. We also collected rating of perceived exertion at every 100 m of elevation gain during PW80 and W80. Results: Participants completed the maximal effort faster with poles versus without poles (18:51 [03:12] vs 19:19 [03:01] in min:s, P = .013, d = 0.08, small). Twelve of the 15 participants (80%) improved their performance when they used poles. During PW80 and W80, none of the physiological or biomechanical parameters were different. Conclusion: In the examined condition, athletes should use poles during steep uphill maximal efforts to obtain the best performance. Conversely, during submaximal effort, the use of poles does not provide advantages in uphill PW.

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The Effects of Nordic Walking and Slope of the Ground on Lower Limb Muscle Activity

Cited by 4 publications

References 28 publications

Nordic walking with an integrated resistance shock absorber affects the femur strength and muscles torques in postmenopausal women

Nordic walking with an integrated resistance shock absorber affects the femur strength and muscles torques in postmenopausal women

Influence of the Nordic Walking Intervention Program on the Improvement of Functional Parameters in Older Women

Pole Walking Is Faster but Not Cheaper During Steep Uphill Walking

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