Nordic Walking Program Research Articles

The Association of Genetic Markers Involved in Muscle Performance Responding to Lactate Levels during Physical Exercise Therapy by Nordic Walking in Patients with Long COVID Syndrome: A Nonrandomized Controlled Pilot Study.

Several genetic markers have shown associations with muscle performance and physical abilities, but the response to exercise therapy is still unknown. The aim of this study was to test the response of patients with long COVID through an aerobic physical therapy strategy by the Nordic walking program and how several genetic polymorphisms involved in muscle performance influence physical capabilities. Using a nonrandomized controlled pilot study, 29 patients who previously suffered from COVID-19 (long COVID = 13, COVID-19 = 16) performed a Nordic walking exercise therapy program for 12 sessions. The influence of the ACE (rs4646994), ACTN3 (rs1815739), AMPD1 (rs17602729), CKM (rs8111989), and MLCK (rs2849757 and rs2700352) polymorphisms, genotyped by using single nucleotide primer extension (SNPE) in lactic acid concentration was established with a three-way ANOVA (group × genotype × sessions). For ACE polymorphism, the main effect was lactic acid (p = 0.019). In ACTN3 polymorphism, there were no main effects of lactic acid, group, or genotype. However, the posthoc analysis revealed that, in comparison with nonlong COVID, long COVID increased lactic acid concentrations in Nordic walking sessions in CT and TT genotypes (all p < 0.05). For AMPD1 polymorphism, there were main effects of lactic acid, group, or genotype and lactic acid × genotype or lactic acid × group × genotype interactions (all p < 0.05). The posthoc analysis revealed that, in comparison with nonlong COVID, long COVID increased lactic acid concentrations in Nordic walking sessions in CC and CT genotypes (all p < 0.05). Physical therapy strategy through Nordic walking enhanced physical capabilities during aerobic exercise in post-COVID19 patients with different genotypes in ACTN3 c.1729C>T and AMPD1 c.34C>T polymorphisms. These findings suggest that individuals who reported long COVID who presumably exercised less beforehand appeared to be less able to exercise, based on lactate levels, and the effect of aerobic physical exercise enhanced physical capabilities conditioned by several genetic markers in long COVID patients.

Effects of nordic walking training on gait and exercise tolerance in male ischemic heart disease patients.

This technique-focused observational study explores the impact of a 6-week Nordic Walking (NW) program on physiological and biomechanical aspects in ischemic heart disease (IHD) patients. Twelve male IHD patients (66.2 ± 5.2years, 12.2 ± 7.5years of disease duration) were evaluated pre- and post-training for (i) gait parameters, (ii) exercise tolerance using electrocardiographic (ECG) stress test, (iii) a 6-min walk test (6MWT). The NW training, adhering to IHD patient guidelines, involved a 100-m walk at a self-selected, preferred speed without sticks, with classic NW sticks and mechatronic sticks. A mechatronic measuring system, specifically engineered for measuring, diagnosing and monitoring the patient's gait, was integrated into mechatronic sticks. Post-training, significant enhancements were observed in ECG stress test duration, metabolic equivalency, and 6MWT distance, irrespective of the stick type. However, no significant changes were noted in spatiotemporal parameters concerning the measured side, stick utilisation, or type. The results suggest that NW training boosts exercise capacity and refines gait mechanics in male IHD patients. However, the improvement in exercise capacity was not linked to changes in gait mechanics from NW training but rather to the movement during NW gait. Hence, the key to enhancing exercise capacity in IHD patients is the movement during NW gait, not the quality of gait mechanics.

Effects of Aerobic Exercise Therapy through Nordic Walking Program in Lactate Concentrations, Fatigue and Quality-of-Life in Patients with Long-COVID Syndrome: A Non-Randomized Parallel Controlled Trial.

Long-COVID syndrome comprises a variety of signs and symptoms that develop during or after infection with COVID-19 which may affect the physical capabilities. However, there is a lack of studies investigating the effects of Long-COVID syndrome in sport capabilities after suffering from COVID-19 infection. The purpose of the study was to evaluate and compare lactate concentration and quality of life (QoL) in patients with Long-COVID with those who have not developed non-Long-COVID during Nordic walking exercise therapy. Twenty-nine patients (25.5 ± 7.1 years) took part in a non-randomized controlled trial, divided into two groups: a Long-COVID group (n = 16) and a non-Long-COVID control (n = 13). Patients were confirmed as having Long-COVID syndrome if they experienced fatigue or tiredness when performing daily activities and worsening of symptoms after vigorous physical or mental activity. All participants underwent a 12-week Nordic Walking program. Lactate concentration after exercise and distance covered during all sessions were measured. Pre- and Long-Nordic Walking program, the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS), the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36), and EURO QoL-5D (EQ-ED) were administered to assess fatigue and quality of life, respectively. There was a lactate concentration effect between groups (F = 5.604; p = 0.024). However, there was no significant effect as a result of the session (F = 3.521; p = 0.121) with no interaction of group × session (F = 1.345; p = 0.414). The group main effect (F = 23.088; p < 0.001), time effect (F = 6.625; p = 0.026), and group × time (F = 4.632; p = 0.002) interaction on the SF-36 scale were noted. Also, there were a significant group main effect (F = 38.372; p < 0.001), time effect (F = 12.424; p = 0.005), and group × time interaction (F = 4.340; p = 0.014) on EQ-5D. However, there was only a significant group main effect (F = 26.235; p < 0.001) with no effect on time (F = 2.265; p = 0.160) and group × time (F = 1.584; p = 0.234) interaction on the MFIS scale. The Long-COVID group showed higher lactate concentration compared with the control group during the 12 weeks of the Nordic Walking program. The Long-COVID group presented a decrease in fatigue with respect to the control group according to the MFIS scale, as well as improvement in quality of life after aerobic exercise therapy.

Nordic walking, a novel regime’s impact on functional capacity, quality of life and depression and anxiety in Post Covid-19 patients

In COVID-19, the respiratory system is most affected by cough, fever, and dyspnea. It has shown its impact on lung function and exercise is proven to aid in the restoration of the normal functioning of the lung. There have not been studies on Nordic walking in Covid-19 patients after discharge yet. The need for the research is aimed at documenting the efficacy of the Nordic walking program in Covid-19 patients after discharge. 70 patients with Post Covid-19 symptoms with age 20-50 years affected mildly to moderately will be included. Exclusion criteria will include Post Covid19 patients not willing to participate, those who required invasive ventilator support during their hospitalization period, and Post Covid-19 patients with pre-diagnosed cardiovascular, pulmonary, nephrological, neurological, metabolic, oncological, or musculoskeletal disorders that can limit physical functioning. After randomly assigning the patients into two groups, a baseline assessment will be taken; the interventions will be for 4 weeks in which Group A will undergo walking as a training program and Group B will perform Nordic walking. Functional capacity, HRQoL (Health-related quality of life), depression, and anxiety will be checked. The result of this study will focus on examining the efficacy of Nordic walking on functional capacity, HRQoL, and depression and anxiety in Post Covid-19 patients. To present a novel and intriguing approach to rehabilitation and to achieve effective results in Post Covid-19 patients.

Nordic walking for people with relapsing-remittent multiple sclerosis: A case series study.

BackgroundPatients with multiple sclerosis (MS) show fatigue, impaired gait and decreased functional mobility, which lead to a low quality of life (QoL). Low-cost and easy to perform exercise modalities having a positive impact on the aforementioned symptoms are needed. The performance of Nordic Walking (NW) could be a useful rehabilitation strategy but, to our knowledge, no study has been published in this regard as yet. This case series study aims at providing information regarding the usefulness and impact of a three-month NW program on self-perceived fatigue, functional mobility, physical fitness and QoL on a group of people with mild relapsing-remitting MS. MethodsA case series study with multiple assessments was performed. Three data collection points at 1-week intervals for three weeks were done at baseline. The intervention consisted of a 12-weeks NW program with a total of four measurement occasions, one every three weeks. The Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), the Timed up and Go test (TUG), the 6-Minute Walk test (6MWT) and the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS-29), were used to assess the outcomes of the program on the participants’ self-perceived fatigue, functional mobility, physical fitness and QoL, respectively. ResultsOf the 14 participants who volunteered for the study, five completed at least 80% of the planned sessions and were included in the final analysis. The intervention did not have a clinical significant impact on the participants’ fatigue while its impact on their QoL showed mixed results. Positive trends were found for all the participants in their functional mobility and physical fitness. Regarding functional mobility, clinically important changes were observed in three participants. None of the observed changes in physical fitness achieved clinical significance. ConclusionA 12-week Nordic walking program did not appear to be particularly feasible and had little impact on the functional levels on a group of people with mild relapsing-remitting MS. Given that beneficial effects were seen in some participants, and taken into account the low adherence rate observed, future studies should explore the feasibility of NW programs performed under different environmental conditions (i.e. outdoors) and including motivational strategies aimed at increasing participation.

Effects of a Supervised Nordic Walking Program on Obese Adults with and without Type 2 Diabetes: The C.U.R.I.A.Mo. Centre Experience.

Exercise is a convenient non-medical intervention, commonly recommended in metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes (DM2) managements. Aerobic exercise and aerobic circuit training have been shown to be able to reduce the risk of developing DM2-related complications. Growing literature proves the usefulness of Nordic walking as exercise therapy in different disease populations, therefore it has a conceivable use in DM2 management. Aims of this study were to analyze and report the effects of two different supervised exercises (gym-based exercise and Nordic walking) on anthropometric profile, blood pressure values, blood chemistry and fitness variables in obese individuals with and without DM2. In this study, 108 obese adults (aged 45–65 years), with or without DM2, were recruited and allocated into one of four subgroups: (1) Gym-based exercise program (n = 49) or (2) Nordic walking program (n = 37) for obese adults; (3) Gym-based exercise program (n = 10) or (4) Nordic walking program (n = 12) for obese adults with DM2. In all exercise subgroups, statistically significant improvements in body weight, body mass index, fat mass index, muscular flexibility and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) were observed. Moreover, a higher percentage of adherence to the gym-based program compared to Nordic walking was recorded. Our findings showed that, notwithstanding the lower adherence, a supervised Nordic walk is effective as a conventional gym-based program to improve body weight control, body composition parameters, muscular flexibility and VO2 max levels in obese adults with and without type 2 diabetes.

Effectiveness of 6-Week Nordic Walking Training on Functional Performance, Gait Quality, and Quality of Life in Parkinson's Disease.

Background and objectives: Motor rehabilitation improves physical mobility and quality of life in Parkinson’s disease (PD). As specialized rehabilitation is expensive and resource-consuming, there is a need for simpler, cost-effective methods. The purpose of the study was to determine whether Nordic Walking (NW) training may support the management of motor disability in PD. Materials and Methods: Forty patients (median age 64.0 years, range 50–75 years) with idiopathic PD, Hoehn and Yahr stages II–III, were randomly assigned to NW or standard rehabilitation (SR) programs, comprising twelve rehabilitation sessions conducted bi-weekly throughout the 6-week study period. Results: Median Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale part III scores were significantly reduced with NW, by 8.5, and with SR, by 6.0 points (both p < 0.001), with significantly greater improvement with NW than with SR (p = 0.047). Gait quality and balance control, measured using the Dynamic Gait Index, improved with NW by a median of 8.0 and with SR by 5.5 points (both p < 0.001), with slightly greater improvement with NW, compared to the SR group (p = 0.064). Quality of life, assessed using the Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39), improved with NW by a median of 15 and with SR by 12 points, p = 0.001 and p = 0.008, respectively. Conclusions: The 6-week Nordic Walking program improves functional performance, quality of gait, and quality of life in patients with PD and has comparable effectiveness to standard rehabilitation.

8주간의 일반과 노르딕 걷기가 만성 요통 남자 대학생의 요천추각, Q각, 요부근력, 통증에 미치는 영향

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence o8f -weeks General and Nordic Walking on Lumbosacral angle, Q-angle, Lumbar power and Pain for College student with low back pain.BR Method: A total of 32 College students with low back pain participatde in this study. The general walking and Nordic walking groups (n = 16 in each) participated in moderate intensity on the field. All College students participated in the this study for 8 weeks doing exercsie over 40-45 minutes per day, three days per week.Statistical analysis was done using an 2 × 2 repeated measuredA NOVA. Independent and dependent t-test were carried out to find out if there was a significant interaction effect.BR Results: The results of this study are as follows. 1) There was signicifantly improved lumbosacral angle on male students with low back pain after 8 wks Nordic walking. 2) There were significantly improved lumbar strength and VAS on male students with low back pain after 8 wks general and nordic walking exercise.BR Conclusion: It would be concluded that 8 wks general and Nordic walking program elicited some positive changes in the male student with low back pain. Also, it can be concluded that walking program is necessary for the patients with low back pain. It can also be one of the activities that helps to prevent or cure especually those with low back pain.

Effects of a Renal Nordic Walking Program on Quality of Life and Fitness in Renal Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Effects of a Renal Nordic Walking Program on Quality of Life and Fitness in Renal Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Influence of the Nordic Walking Intervention Program on the Improvement of Functional Parameters in Older Women

Background: Nordic Walking is a total body type of exercise that can be performed by nonathletes as a health-promoting physical activity. Aims: In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of a Nordic Walking interventional program in older adults, with regard to the potential improvements in functional parameters. Methods: Thirty-five women (mean age: 67.86 years, SD: 4.44 years) participated in a 25-week Nordic Walking program, while 25 women (control group, mean age: 76.97 years, SD: 8.14 years) did not engage to any type of exercise during the same period. Functional parameters were assessed using the Senior Fitness Test and the Bosco Counter-Movement Jump Test at baseline and after the completion of the program. Results: In the experimental group, improvements were observed in all functional parameters assessed by the Senior Fitness Test, including strength, flexibility, movement coordination, dynamic balance, and aerobic capacity. No such correlations were found in the control group. Similarly, with regard to the parameters recorded using the Counter-Movement Jump Test, there was an improvement in strength from baseline to the final measurements. Conclusions: Our findings confirmed previous evidence regarding the beneficial effects of Nordic Walking on functional parameters in older adults.

Efeitos da caminhada nórdica no perfil antropométrico e composição corporal de pessoas com doença de Parkinson: ensaio clínico randomizado

Introdução: A doença de Parkinson (DP) é caracterizada por distúrbios motores, aumentando risco de quedas e inatividade física. Objetivo: Analisar perfil antropométrico e composição corporal, antes e após um programa de treinamento de caminhada nórdica (CN) e caminhada livre (CL). Métodos: Os 33 sujeitos foram randomizados em dois grupos experimentais: CL (n = 16) e CN (n = 17) para realização das 12 sessões de treinamento. Resultados: Relação cintura/quadril reduziu (2,2%, p = 0,022) para o CL. O somatório total das dobras cutâneas reduziu em 4,3% no grupo CN (p = 0,012), e 4,7% no grupo CL (p = 0,012), sem diferença entre os grupos. O período de treinamento não promoveu alterações significativas na massa corporal (p = 0,808), IMC (p = 0,392), nas massas magra (p = 0,834), gorda (p = 0,721) e óssea (p = 0,348), bem como nos percentuais de gordura (p = 0,887). Conclusão: O treinamento promoveu melhora antropométrica efetiva para ambos os grupos.

Efekti zdravstveno-preventivnog programa nordijskog hodanja na funkcionalni status žena starosti od 30 do 40 godina

In mitigating the negative effects of technological development and modern lifestyle, it is necessary to apply proper models of physical activity programs oriented towards health and prevention. The application of such models enables an efficient optimization of functional capacities, the preservation and enhancement of health, as well as an elimination and mitigation of health issues. Lately, Nordic walking is being used as a sports-recreational activity and a health and prevention technique. In this research, the sample of respondents consisted of women aged 30-40. The total number of respondents comprised 28 individuals (N=28). The applied Nordic walking experimental program lasting three times a week over three months resulted in a change in the results of the functional capacities. Testing differences between the initial and final measuring of the effects of functional capacities of the applied program show a significant statistical difference corresponding to a significant level of p&lt;0.05 in all examined variables (vital capacity - FVITKP, heart rate in state of inactivity - FFSRCM, pulse in state of activity - FFSRCR, systolic blood pressure - FTASI, diastolic blood pressure - FTADI, relative oxygen consumption - VO2 max, Stange test - PŠ, Romberg test - PR). The aim of this research is to evaluate the effects of the three-month long Nordic walking program on the functional capacities of women aged 30-40.

Nordic walking training and nutritional supplementation in pre-frail older Indians: an open-labelled experimental pre-test and post-test pilot study to develop intervention model

BackgroundIdentifying and treating people in a pre-frail state may be an effective way to prevent or delay frailty and preserve their functional capacity. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of, and compliance with, a 12 week individualized nutritional supplementation (INS) and Nordic walking (NW) program in pre-frail older Indians. The primary measure is physical performance, as indicated by Fried’s Frailty scale. Other measures include: cognition, as indicated by the Hindi Mental Status Examination; mood, by the Geriatric Depression Scale; and nutritional status, by the Mini Nutritional Assessment.MethodsThis is an open-labeled experimental pre-test and post-test study, which took place from October 2012 to December 2014. The study was approved by Institute Ethics committee (IEC/NP-350/2012/RP-26/2012) at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. Participants were sixty-six pre-frail elderly, who were randomly allocated into three subgroups, namely: A (NW only), B (INS only), and C (NW and INS). One-way ANOVA was used to statistically assess differences in baseline characteristics for quantitative variables, with the Chi-Square/Fischer exact test utilized for qualitative variables. Paired t-tests were used to assess pre and post intervention difference within the group for quantitative variables, with McNemar’s Chi-Square test used for qualitative variables. Kruskal Wallis test was used to assess significant intervention effects among the groups. A p-value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.ResultsThere was significant effect of intervention in gait speed in group A (p = 0.001) and C (p = 0.002), but not in group B (p = 0.926). While there was no significant change in grip strength in Group A (p = 0.488) and B (p = 0.852), a statistically significant increase was observed in group C (p = 0.013). Mood significantly improved in group B (p = 0.025) and C (p = 0.021). No significant difference was noted in cognitive status across groups. Following the interventions, a total of 18.18% of pre-frail participants were classified as non-frail.ConclusionsCombining NW and INS provides a simple, pragmatic intervention with efficacy in the management of functionally vulnerable older adults, and allows their maintained independence. Future studies should replicate this readily applicable intervention in a larger cohort with a longer follow-up period.Trial registrationClinical Trial Registry-India CTRI/2016/05/006937 [Registered on: 16/05/2016]; Trial was Registered Retrospectively.

Does Nordic walking improve exercise capacity in lung transplant patients?

A lung transplantation (LT) is the last therapeutic option for those who suffer from respiratory chronic diseases. Respiratory rehabilitation plays a crucial role in improving the functional capacity and the quality of life during the different stages of the transplant. After the LT, the pulmonary functions of the receptors are commonly improved, but some limitations in their capacity to exercise and to perform physical activity still remain. The main objective of this study is to evaluate any improvement in effort capacity of patients with lung transplantation that follow a rehabilitation program based on Nordic walking. Almost-experimental prospective study with comparison (before and after surgery). Sample: 8 patients with one year evolution after LT with normal pulmonary function, 5 men (65.5%) and 3 women (37.5%). Medium age of 59.75 years old (DE 4.34 years). Six of the patients had received a double-lung transplant (75%) and the other two, a left lung transplant (25%). The procedure consists in a rehabilitation program with Nordic walking (PRMN) as exercise type. The main variable is the distance walked during the 6 minutes walking test (6′WT); the secondary ones will evaluate the strength of the respiratory muscles (PIM-PEM), the functional capacity (V02 pco and VO 2AT ), the strength of the peripheral muscles (in claw dynamometry and quadriceps) and the quality of life (SF-36 questionnaire). After 12 weeks of PRMN, significant differences have been found in: 6′WT [47 m in mean P < 0.05( P = 0.035)]; in claw dynamometry (D: P = 0.048/I: P = 0.043); VO2 PICO % ( P = 0.035); VO 2AT ( P = 0.028) and in the vitality variable of the SF-36 ( P = 0.033). No significant differences have been observed in the rest of variables. After a Nordic walking program the patients with LT improve the distances walked in the 6 minutes walking test and the aerobic capacity. Moreover, there is an improvement in the patient's vitality after the procedure.

Study of the effects of multimodal exercise program on physical fitness and health perception in community-living Hungarian older adults.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects on fitness indicators and subjective health-perception of a multimodal exercise program provided by a district in Budapest among community-living seniors. Sixty community-living older adults aged over 60 years formed beginner group (who were at the beginning of the exercise program), advanced group (who had been in the programme for 3-6 months), active group (who had been participating in the exercise program for at least 6 months, in addition to Nordic walking program) and a physically inactive control group. Balance, functional mobility, lower and upper limb strength, lower and upper body flexibility, aerobic endurance and self-reported health perception were measured at baseline, and after a 12-week follow-up period. The beginner group and the advanced group improved in upper body flexibility (beginner Δ=1.2; d=0.83; advanced: Δ=1.7; d=1.39), lower body flexibility (beginner: Δ=1.7, d=0.484; advanced: Δ=1.9; d=1.55), lower limb strength (beginner: Δ=1.47; d=0.84; advanced: Δ=1.57; d=0.72), and functional mobility (beginner: Δ=-0.6; d=0.54; advanced: Δ=-0.4; d=0.90). There were also improvements in aerobic endurance (Δ=11.06; d=0.96) and balance (Δ=1.6; d=0.62) of beginner group. These indicators declined in the control group. Indicators of the active group did not change. The self-perceived health status declined (Δ=-13.9; d=0.73) in the control group but did not change in any exercising groups. This multimodal exercise program can be effective among community-living older adults, even in Hungary, a country where geriatric physical activity is not widespread. Therefore, it would be useful to extend this model program to other settlements as well.

S38 - Feasibility and outcomes of a nordic walking program for women following breast or ovarian cancer treatments

S38 - Feasibility and outcomes of a nordic walking program for women following breast or ovarian cancer treatments

Cardiovascular Adaptation to the Nordic Walking or Strength Type of Exercising For Health Promotion

Tikslas – palyginti skirtingo pobūdžio sveikatą stiprinančių pratybų (jėgos ugdymo pratimų ir šiaurietiškojo ėjimo) poveikį širdies ir kraujagyslių sistemai. Tyrime dalyvavo 28 asmenys, jie buvo santykinai sveiki, nesiskundžiantys širdies ir kraujagyslių sistemos funkcijos sutrikimais, turintys gydytojo leidimą dalyvauti sveikatos stiprinimo fiziniais pratimais pratybose. Tiriamieji buvo atrinkti atsitiktine tvarka ir suskirstyti į dvi grupes, kurios pagal amžiaus vidurkį, kūno masę, lytį, ramybės širdies susitraukimų dažnį (ŠSD) ir arterinį kraujo spaudimą (AKS) statistiškai reikšmingai nesiskyrė. Tiriamajam kontingentui buvo taikomos skirtingo pobūdžio sveikatą stiprinančios pratybos. Pirmajai (I) grupei buvo taikomas šiaurietiškasis ėjimas, o antrajai (II) – pratybos sporto salėje. Abiem grupėms iki 90 min trukmės pratybos vykdytos tris kartus per savaitę šešis mėnesius. Tiriamųjų širdies ir kraujagyslių sistemos būklei bei fiziniam parengtumui vertinti buvo naudojamas Rufjė fizinio krūvio mėginys. AKS buvo matuojamas prieš krūvį, po krūvio ir kas minutę atsigavimo metu. Viso šio funkcinės būklės vertinimo metu nepertraukiamai buvo registruojama 12 standartinių derivacijų elektrokardiograma (EKG). Buvo analizuojami šie EKG rodikliai: ŠSD ir JT intervalo trukmė, bei vertinamos ST segmento depresijos reikšmės, registruotos ramybės metu ir didžiausios atliekant dozuoto krūvio mėginį. Po šešių mėnesių trukmės sveikatą stiprinančių pratybų sveikų vidutinio amžiaus žmonių ramybės ŠSD ir AKS nepakito (p > 0,05). Po šešių mėnesių trukmės skirtingo pobūdžio pratybų reakcija į fizinį krūvį skyrėsi: po šiaurietiškojo ėjimo programos ŠSD padidėjimas Rufjė fizinio krūvio mėginio metu sumažėjo, o po pratybų sporto salėje ŠSD reakcija į fizinį krūvį nepakito (p > 0,05). Paaiškėjo, kad šešių mėnesių trukmės šiaurietiškojo ėjimo pratybos padarė poveikį ST segmento depresijos reikšmėms atliekant Rufjė fizinio krūvio mėginį – nustatytas ST segmento depresijos mažėjimas (p < 0,05). Šešių mėnesių trukmės pratybos sporto salėje neturėjo įtakos ST segmento depresijos pokyčiams atliekant Rufjė fizinio krūvio mėginį (p > 0,05). Šešių mėnesių sveikatos stiprinimo pratybos, kuriose pagrindinis krūvis buvo šiaurietiškasis ėjimas, ir pratybos, kurios buvo atliekamos sporto salėje su treniruokliais, turėjo teigiamos įtakos sveikatą stiprinančių asmenų širdies ir kraujagyslių sistemos funkcinei būklei. Tyrimas atkleidė keletą šiaurietiškojo ėjimo pranašumų stiprinant sveikatą. Po pusės metų eksperimento šiaurietiškąjį ėjimą praktikavusiųjų grupės tiriamiesiems, atliekantiems dozuoto fizinio krūvio užduotis, mažiau padidėja ŠSD ir pastebimas mažesnis funkcinių išeminių reiškinių pasireiškimas miokarde nei jėgos ugdymo pratimus sporto salėje praktikavusiems tiriamiesiems.

Synergistic association of changes in serum uric acid and triglycerides with changes in insulin resistance after walking exercise in community-dwelling older women

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Serum uric acid (SUA) and triglyceride (TG) levels are strongly correlated with insulin resistance; however, the association after a walking exercise program in community-dwelling older women has not been investigated. Methods: The present study included 100 postmenopausal women (mean ± standard deviation, 68 ± 7 years) from a rural village in Japan. The Nordic walking program of 120 min per week was performed for 12 weeks. Before and after the intervention, SUA, TG, various relevant factors and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were measured. Results and conclusions: Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that baseline TG and γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT) were significantly associated with baseline HOMA-IR. After the 12-week training program, changes in TG, SUA and GGT were significantly associated with changes in HOMA-IR. In addition to their direct associations, we observed a synergistic association between changes in TG and SUA and changes in HOMA-IR. Participants were divided into three groups (tertiles) according to changes in TG and SUA. The tertiles of changes in SUA correlated significantly with changes in HOMA-IR in participants in the tertile with the greatest decrease in TG (r = 0.525, p = 0.001), but not in the other two tertiles of change in TG (r = 0.049, p = 0.699). There was a significant interaction between SUA and TG for changes in HOMA-IR (β = 0.281, p = 0.005). These results suggest that changes in TG and SUA are synergistic factors associated with changes in insulin resistance after a 12-week walking exercise program in community-dwelling older women.

Effects of a Nordic Walking program on motor and non-motor symptoms, functional performance and body composition in patients with Parkinson's disease.

Several studies have clearly shown that physical exercise can reduce the progression of motor symptoms in Parkinson's Disease (PD). However, little is known about the effects of a Nordic Walking (NW) program in PD patients. To determine the effects of a NW program on motor and non-motor symptoms, functional performances and body composition in PD patients. Twenty PD patients (16M, 4F, 67.3±7.8 years) were enrolled and randomly assigned to NW group (NWg, n = 10) and Control group (Cg, n = 10). The training consisted in 2 sessions per week for 12 weeks. Training effects were assessed by functional and instrumental tests and motor and non-motor symptoms were assessed by UPDRS-III, Hoehn and Yahr scale, PD Fatigue Scale, Beck Depression Inventory-II, Starkstein Apathy Scale, and Non-Motor Symptoms Scale. Significant changes in resting HR, in walked distance (p < 0.05), and in lower limbs muscles strength (p < 0.005) were observed in NWg. Both balance abilities and safety with mobility were increased (p < 0.005). Significant variations in some circumferences and body composition were registered. Finally, a significant improvement in motor and non-motor symptoms was detected: UPDRS-III, HY scale, PFS-16, BDI-II, SAS, NMSS. A tailored exercise program including NW proved to be an effective way to improve daily activities and both motor and non-motor symptoms in PD patients.

Physiological Responses Associated with Nordic-walking training in Systolic Hypertensive Postmenopausal Women.

Loss of physical strength and hypertension are among the most pronounced detrimental factors accompanying aging. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of a supervised 8-week Nordic-walking training program on systolic blood pressure in systolic-hypertensive postmenopausal women. This study was a randomized control trial on a sample of 24 subjects who did not take any hypertension medications. There was a statistically significant decrease in systolic blood pressure and an increase in lower and upper-body strength in the group following Nordic-walking training. There was a decrease in serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density cholesterol. The obtained results indicate that an 8-week Nordic-walking program may be efficiently employed for counteracting systolic hypertension through a direct abatement of systolic blood pressure and an increase of maximal aerobic capacity.