Effects of Nordic Walking to Walking on Muscle Strength in Patient with Arthritis

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The aim of the study is to compare the effects of Nordic walking (with pole) and walking (without pole)on muscle strength of knee and shoulder in arthritis patients. Methods/Statistical analysis: Participants (n=31) were divided into two groups: Nordic walking, and regular walking. All participants performed activity 60min 3 x week for 12 weeks. Nordic walking group (n= 16, age =65± 8.87years) and walking group(n=15,age=61±9.89years) were randomized to Nordic walking or walking. The study was conducted in four stages: the pre-test, the post-test after 12 weeks, a 4 week pause, and a follow-up test. Findings: Isometric knee extension strength improved pre to post Nordic walking group by 58±2 on average and shoulder strength by 33±4. Without Nordic pole walking group had improved knee extension by 6±6 and shoulder strength by 16±19. Both groups showed the improvement of the knee and shoulder strength. With pole walking group was more muscle strength improvement than the without pole walking group. Four weeks following cessation of walking training (with pole and without pole), all improvement has been maintained. There was a significant difference between the walking group and Nordic walking when comparing the changes of pre-, post-, and follow-up test of the strength test between the two groups. In the intra-group comparisons, the Nordic walking group showed significant improvement of the knee extensor strength and shoulder strength (p<.005).However, the walking group didn’t show significant difference in the knee extensor strength and shoulder strength. Improvements/Applications: It shows that Nordic walking improves muscle strength more than walking without a pole.