Abstract
Nordic walking is an increasingly popular form of exercise among the elderly. Using poles is thought to facilitate a more upright posture; however, previous studies primarily investigated the effects of Nordic walking on respiratory function and physical fitness. The aims of this study were to investigate the influence of Nordic walking on spinal posture, physical functions, and back pain in community-dwelling older adults. Thirty-one community-dwelling older adults aged ≥ 60 years participated in a twice weekly Nordic walking training program for 12 weeks. The outcome measures, including spinal posture, physical functions, back pain, and the strength and endurance of back extensor muscles were assessed before and after a 12-week program. After training, spinal posture, back pain, and the strength and endurance of back extensor muscles did not show any statistically significant changes. Among the seven clinical tests of physical function, only the 30 s arm curl test, the 30 s chair stand test, and the single leg stance test showed significant improvements. Nordic walking has limited influence on age-related hyperkyphosis and back pain, but may be effective for physical function. The results of this study can provide useful information for people involved in the prevention and treatment of physical dysfunction in community-dwelling older adults.
Highlights
The prevalence of thoracic hyperkyphosis is estimated to be between 20% and 40% among older adults aged 60 and over [1]
Increased thoracic kyphosis is associated with several significant health consequences, including back pain, impaired physical function, reduced lung function, impaired balance, increased incidence of falls and future fracture risk, decreased quality of life, and increased mortality [2,3]
Kado et al reported that older adults with even slight hyperkyphosis had a 1.44 times greater rate of mortality than those without hyperkyphotic posture [7]
Summary
The prevalence of thoracic hyperkyphosis is estimated to be between 20% and 40% among older adults aged 60 and over [1]. Increased thoracic kyphosis is associated with several significant health consequences, including back pain, impaired physical function, reduced lung function, impaired balance, increased incidence of falls and future fracture risk, decreased quality of life, and increased mortality [2,3]. Kado et al reported significantly a higher percentage of hyperkyphotic posture among older adults who fell than those who did not fall (36.3% versus 30.2%, p = 0.015) [6]. Kado et al reported that older adults with even slight hyperkyphosis (the occiput-to-table distance ≥ 1.7 cm when lying supine on an examination table) had a 1.44 times greater rate of mortality than those without hyperkyphotic posture [7]
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