Field Comparison of Physiological Responses between Nordic Walking and Walking

Abstract

The bulk of previous research involving Nordic walking poles has been completed in laboratory settings on treadmills, limiting the practical applications as an outdoor activity for varied terrain. PURPOSE: This study compared selected physiological responses and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) to walking with and without Nordic walking poles in a field setting. METHODS: Twenty six active adults (23 ± 4.5 years, 13 males and 13 females) meeting the current physical activity guidelines as defined by the Center for Disease Control and the American College of Sports Medicine participated in the study. Each subject completed a metronome paced Nordic Pole and no pole walk on a 3200 meter outdoor course of varied terrain (-14 to +20% grade) on separate days in a randomized order. Blood lactate was measured immediately before and after each walk. RPE was taken during and immediately after each walk. A Cosmed K4b2 portable metabolic unit was used to measure metabolic indices throughout each walk condition. The integrated GPS receiver of the K4b2 recorded distance and altitude during each walk trial. RESULTS: Average VE, VO2, VCO2, HR (125.9 ± 2.8 vs. 118.1 ±2.8 bpm), EE (199.6 ± 6.6 vs. 187.6 ± 6.3 kcal), and MET (5.1 ±0.2vs 4.7 ±0.2) levels during the Nordic pole walk were all significantly higher compared to the no pole walk condition (p ≤0.05) whereas RER was significantly lower for the Nordic pole walk (p ≤0.05). Changes in blood lactate from pre to post walk were not significantly different between walks (no poles 0.09 ± 0.1 vs. poles 0.23 ± 0.1 mM; p = 0.43) and RPE (11.8 ± 0.3 for poles and 12 ± 0.3 no poles) did not differ between walks (p ≥0.41). CONCLUSIONS: Nordic walking over a 3200 meter course of varied grade increases exercise intensity compared to normal walking without a corresponding increase in subjective feelings of effort. Moreover, blood lactate which is a marker for exercise intensity, tended to be lower during Nordic walking. Additionally, higher EE and MET levels combined with lower RER values during the Nordic pole walk favorably compliment weight loss conditions. The combination of these factors suggests that Nordic pole walking may facilitate exercise adherence and encourage individuals to engage in a walking activity for an extended duration.