The Influence of Nordic Walking on Isokinetic Trunk Muscle Endurance and Sagittal Spinal Curvatures in Women after Breast Cancer Treatment: Age-Specific Indicators.

Justyna Hanuszkiewicz,Iwona Malicka,Marek Woźniewski

doi:10.3390/ijerph18052409

Abstract

Nordic walking (NW) is a popular form of rehabilitation. NW improves psychophysical condition in breast cancer (BC) survivors. This study aimed to analyze the effects of NW on functional and postural changes of the trunk in women of different ages after BC. We hypothesized that an age relationship would be found. BC survivors (n = 39) were stratified by age as “middle- aged” (45–59 years) or “older” (60–75 years), then randomly allocated to the training intervention. A study group (SG, n = 19) participated in NW and a control group (CG, n = 20) performed general gymnastics. The sagittal spinal curvatures and isokinetic trunk muscle endurance were recorded at two time points, pre- and post-training intervention. Significant within NW group changes (p < 0.05) were found for the total work (TW) and average power (AP) of trunk flexors and extensors and the upper thoracic angle in middle-aged women. In older Nordic walkers, significant increases in TW and AP of the trunk flexor muscles were observed, with a negative increase in the trunk inclination angle. In CG, no significant functional or postural changes were observed in response to general gymnastics. NW improved both functional and postural changes in middle-aged women. This study identified the limitations of NW training in older women.

Highlights

The aging process is natural and inevitable [1]
This study identified the limitations of Nordic walking (NW) training in older women
To be eligible to participate in the study, women were approved by a physiotherapist under medical supervision based on the following inclusion criteria: diagnosis of breast cancer (BC); completed adjuvant therapy in the form of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy; female sex; age between 45 and 75 years; and at least 1 year after surgery

Summary

Introduction

The aging process is natural and inevitable [1]. The typical changes associated with aging include deepening of the thoracic kyphosis, protrusion of the head, and in more severe cases, knee flexion. Balzini et al reported that this flexed posture is related to nonosteoporotic conditions such as vertebral pain, emotional status and muscular impairment [2]. These factors are usually associated with decreased physical performance in older adults. If older adults do not participate in a physically active lifestyle, they increase their risk of decreased muscle mass by 40%. A reduction in muscle mass of about 30% is associated with a loss of muscle strength.

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