Abstract
This study examined the effects of a 6-week Nordic Walking (NW) training, at the intensity corresponding to the dominance of lipid metabolism, on the levels of selected physiological indices, the haemodynamic indices of the cardiovascular system and physical fitness in sedentary women older than 55 years of age. In addition, the physiological response of the female body to the walking effort on treadmill with poles (NW) and without poles (W) was compared and the influence of training on this response was determined. A single group study with a pre-test/post-test study design was conducted. Eighteen women performed NW controlled intensity training 3 times a week for 6 weeks. Body composition, resting blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) as well as circulatory and respiratory indices in two graded walking efforts on mechanical treadmill NW and W were measured before and after training period. The intensity of workouts, which considered the dominance of lipid metabolism, was determined individually, based on the dynamics of changes in the level of physiological indices during the graded intensity NW. After the course of training, body mass, fat mass, resting BP and HR decreased significantly (p < 0.05). HR and respiratory exchange ratio recorded during NW and W at 1.75 m.s-1 walking speed decreased, while the oxygen pulse increased (p < 0.05). VO2max increased significantly (p < 0.05). Before and after the training period HR, oxygen uptake per minute, and energy expenditure during NW were significantly higher than in W (p < 0.05). The study showed that 6-week NW training at the intensity corresponding to the dominance of lipid metabolism can provide improvement in body composition, cardiovascular function and physical performance in previously sedentary women. NW compared to the regular walk with the same speed revealed higher energy expenditure.
Highlights
Involutional changes occurring in an aging body increase disease incidence
The 6-week Nordic Walking (NW) training at individually defined intensity resulted in a significant reduction (p 0.02) of total body mass (BM), fat mass (FM) and body mass index (BMI) in the subjects, without significant changes in lean body mass (LBM) (Table 1)
The mean values of heart rate (HR) and systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure values recorded at rest were significantly reduced (p < 0.01) (Table 2)
Summary
Involutional changes occurring in an aging body increase disease incidence. The general decrease in exercise tolerance recorded with age is manifested i.a. by a progressive decrease in the value of maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) by an average of 8–10% per decade, starting at the age of 20–30. In subsequent years it accelerates to 20–25% per decade [2]. It has been shown that a low level of cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max), to hypertension, is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and a higher risk of all-cause mortality [3]
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