Nordic Walking Training Research Articles

Nordic Walking at Maximal Fat Oxidation Intensity Decreases Circulating Asprosin and Visceral Obesity in Women With Metabolic Disorders.

ObjectiveExcess visceral adipose tissue is associated with insulin resistance and other metabolic disorders, including deregulation of adipokine secretion, which may be corrected by aerobic exercise training. Asprosin is a novel adipokine responsible for the regulation of appetite and the release of glucose from the liver, and its levels are pathologically elevated in obesity. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of 8-week Nordic walking (NW) training at maximal fat oxidation intensity (FATmax) on changes in body mass, as well as those in insulin resistance and asprosin levels among young women with visceral obesity and metabolic disorders.Materials and MethodsThe study was completed by 14 women (30.14 ± 3.63 years) representing low levels of physical activity, visceral obesity (waist circumference 105.50 ± 14.87 cm, BMI 33.85 ± 5.48 kg/m2) and with metabolic disorders, who for 8 weeks (three times a week, 60 min), participated in NW training at the FATmax intensity (61.92 ± 6.71% HRmax, 42.33 ± 8.69% VO2max) controlled on the basis of heart rate (114.21 ± 14.10 bpm).ResultsAfter 4 and 8 weeks of NW training, a significant decrease in the concentration of asprosin, waist and hip circumference (HC), waist-to-height ratio and body adiposity index (BAI) (p < 0.05, large effect size) were found.ConclusionThe 8-week NW training at an FATmax intensity decreases the concentration of asprosin in the blood as well as visceral obesity in young women with metabolic disorders.

Influence of Nordic Walking Training on Vitamin D Level in the Blood and Quality of Life among Women Aged 65-74.

Introduction. Demographic forecasts indicate the progressive aging process of societies in all countries worldwide. The extension of life span may be accompanied by deterioration of its quality resulting from a decrease in physical activity, mental or even social performance, and a deficit in certain chemical compounds responsible for proper functioning of the body. Aim. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of a 12-week Nordic walking (NW) training intervention on the level of vitamin D in the blood and quality of life among women aged 65–74 years. Materials and methods. The study comprised 37 women aged 65–74 (x = 68.08, SD = 4.2). The subjects were randomly assigned to 2 groups: experimental group (NW), which consisted of 20 women who underwent an intervention in the form of Nordic walking training for 12 weeks, and the control group (C), including 17 women who underwent observation. In the experimental group, training sessions were held 3 times a week for 1 h. At that time, the C group was not subject to any intervention. The SF−36 questionnaire was used to measure quality of life. Vitamin D was assessed based on the results of biochemical blood tests. The analysed parameters were assessed twice-before and after the completed intervention or observation. Results. Comparison of the results regarding trials 1 and 2 allowed to note statistically significant improvement in quality of life for all health components and factors in the NW group. Analysis of vitamin D levels demonstrated a statistically significant increase in the NW group. In group C, no significant changes in the analysed parameters were observed. Conclusions. Regularly undertaking Nordic walking training significantly influences the improvement of self-evaluation regarding the components of physical and mental health, as well as the concentration of vitamin D in women aged 65–74 years.

The Impact of Nordic Walking on Bone Properties in Postmenopausal Women with Pre-Diabetes and Non-Alcohol Fatty Liver Disease

This study investigated the impact of Nordic walking on bone properties in postmenopausal women with pre-diabetes and non-alcohol fatty liver disease (NAFLD). A total of 63 eligible women randomly participated in the Nordic walking training (AEx, n = 33), or maintained their daily lifestyle (Con, n = 30) during intervention. Bone mineral content (BMC) and density (BMD) of whole body (WB), total femur (TF), femoral neck (FN), and lumbar spine (L2-4) were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Serum osteocalcin, pentosidine, receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) levels were analyzed by ELISA assay. After an 8.6-month intervention, the AEx group maintained their BMCTF, BMDTF, BMCL2−4, and BMDL2−4, and increased their BMCFN (p = 0.016), while the Con group decreased their BMCTF (p = 0.008), BMDTF (p = 0.001), and BMDL2−4 (p = 0.002). However, no significant group × time interaction was observed, except for BMDL2−4 (p = 0.013). Decreased pentosidine was correlated with increased BMCWB(r = −0.352, p = 0.019). The intervention has no significant effect on osteocalcin and RANKL. Changing of bone mass was associated with changing of pentosidine, but not with osteocalcin and RANKL. Our results suggest that Nordic walking is effective in preventing bone loss among postmenopausal women with pre-diabetes and NAFLD.

Nordic walking in geriatric population – An evidence based seminar

Background: Aging is an involuntary and inevitable process that causes progressive structural and functional loss in the body, such as deterioration of functional capacity, muscle mass and strength loss, loss of bone mass and delays in reaction time, which are risk factors that lead to a loss of autonomy and increased risk of falling. Nordic walking is an activity involving specially designed poles used to push against the ground with each stride for the purpose of activating the upper body while walking. It is more intensive form of walking using muscles of upper body and lower body. It is safe, feasible and beneficial form of exercise training in older adults. Method: Evidences Reviewed from Literature search 2015-2021. It was taken from PubMed, Google scholar, Wiley online library. Conclusion: It can be stated that nordic walking training helps to improve wellness, physical strength, flexibility, quality of life and functional balance. Nordic walking is a non expensive and feasible option to improve fitness in elderly people. Nordic walking can be included as exercise prescription for elderly and it is one of the best way for elders to stay healthy. Keywords: Geriatric Population, Ageing, Nordic walking.

The Effects of Nordic Walking Compared to Conventional Walking on Aerobic Capacity and Lipid Profile in Women Over 55 Years of Age.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Nordic Walking compared to conventional walking on aerobic capacity, the lipid profile, left ventricular ejection fraction, body mass, and body mass index in women over 55years old. The study was comprised of 74 women over 55years of age. Participants were randomized to the Nordic Walking (n = 38) or conventional walking (n = 36) training groups. The echocardiogram, treadmill exercise stress test, lipid profile, and body mass were assessed at baseline (pretest) and after 12weeks (posttest). The authors found a significant main effect over time in duration (effect size [ES] = 0.59, P < .0001), distance covered (ES = 0.56, P < .0001), peak oxygen consumption (ES = 0.43, P < .0001), metabolic equivalent (ES = 0.29, P < .0001), peak heart rate (ES = 0.2, P < .0001), peak diastolic blood pressure (ES = 0.11, P = .0045), total cholesterol (ES = 0.26, P < .0001), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (ES = 0.16, P = .0005). The authors did not observe a time versus group interaction or the effect between groups. Post hoc tests revealed significant pretraining to posttraining differences in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol after the Nordic Walking training program and in peak diastolic blood pressure after the conventional walking training program. The heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure at rest, peak diastolic blood pressure, somatic parameters (body mass and body mass index), and left ventricular ejection fraction did not change in either group. Both training programs resulted in increases in aerobic capacity and decreases in total cholesterol.

The Effect of Nordic Walking Training with Poles with an Integrated Resistance Shock Absorber on the Body Balance of Women over the Age of 60.

The aim of this study was to assess the changes in the balance of healthy, elderly women as a result of Nordic walking training using of two types of poles: classic poles, and poles with an integrated resistance shock absorber. Thirty-four women completed the experiment (Age = 66.8 ± 4.1 years). They were randomly assigned into the experimental group—training with poles with an integrated resistance shock absorber—EG (n = 17), and the control active group—training with classic poles—CG (n = 17). Body balance was measured with Romberg sharpened test and using the AccuGait ™ force platform before and after an intervention lasting for 8 weeks (2 training sessions × 75 min per week). In ANOVA analysis, the Romberg sharpened test showed a statistically significant effect of “time” (F = 18.62, p < 0.001, ɳ2 = 0.37). No interaction effect or clear “time” effect was observed in the ANOVA analysis for the results of posturographic tests (p > 0.05). The lack of pre-post differences in posturographic tests indicates that further research is necessary, where, e.g., there are extended intervention times and more difficult examination tasks are performed. In the case of the Romberg test, both groups improved their results, which may indicate an improvement in perception and processing of sensory information, regardless of the type of training applied.

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

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.

Nordic walking in winter as the multitask training in patients with Parkinson's disease

To evaluate an influence of 8-week course of winter nordic walking as the multitask on the spatial-temporal characteristics of walking and motor disturbances in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Eleven patients (3 men and 8 women, mean age 66.82±3.97 years) with Hoehn and Yahr stage 1 to 2 PD were included in the study. Preliminary medical examination, including the anthropometric profile with the calculation of the body mass index (BMI), the grip strength on the right and left sides, spirometry, functional tests with the physical load (orthostatic test with the determination of systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DPB) and type of reaction (normal, hypertonic, hypotonic), the 6 Minute Walk Test, timed Up and Go test), was performed to evaluate the physical state. The evaluation of motor function was performed using the unified Parkinson's disease rating scale of the Movement Disorder Society (MDS UPDRS), part III. A 8-week course of nordic walking training was carried out at the certified track on the stadium localized outside of the city, in the wood and parks area in the winter. Compared to the first training, gait velocity increased at the 3rd session, the step length at the 6th. The improvement of the spatial-temporal characteristics of walking was accompanied by the improvement of the motor function as measured by MDS UPDRS, part III. Winter nordic walking as multitask is the effective measure of exercise treatment in patients with PD, because it improves the spatial-temporal characteristics of walking and the motor function.

Rehabilitation effect of the combination of Nordic walking and breathing training during stroke recovery in elderly women

Aim. To study the rehabilitation effect of the combination of aerobic and breathing exercise during stroke recovery in elderly women.Material and methods. The study was carried out on the basis of a geriatric home for 3 months. It involved 24 women aged 60-70 years at a long-term period after an ischemic stroke. The physical rehabilitation program for patients with mild neurological consequences consisted of two blocks: respiratory and aerobic exercise. Hemodynamic parameters, respiratory function, and exercise tolerance was assessed.Results. Preliminary examination of women revealed low respiratory reserves. The most significant changes were recorded in relation to bronchial patency. The hypokinetic circulation type with high blood pressure was determined, while the mean dynamic pressure significantly exceeded 100 mm Hg. The implementation of the physical rehabilitation program provided a stable positive effect with an increase in the functional respiratory reserves and exercise tolerance, the optimization of cardiovascular homeostasis. Parameters of bronchial patency increased significantly in comparison to the initial level (p&lt;0,01). Aerobic exercise provided a decrease in the heart rate (p&lt;0,05). The resulting effect of rehabilitation was a decrease in the main hemodynamic parameters, a change in the circulation type with an increase in the cardiac index to 2,10±0,1 l/m2, (p&lt;0,01). In the control group, the rehabilitation effect was less pronounced and mostly associated with a decrease in blood pressure.Conclusion. A long-term stay of patients after ischemic stroke in a geriatric home opens up wide opportunities for effective recovery using rehabilitation programs.

Šiaurietiškojo ėjimo įtaka vyresnio amžiaus žmonių kūno kompozicijai ir fiziniam aktyvumui

This paper analyzes the impact of Nordic walking on body composition and physical activity in older adults. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of Nordic walking on body composition and physical activity in older adults. In order to achieve the objective, the concepts of Nordic walking, physical activity and body composition were defined in this paper as well as their impact on older adults. The older people’s attitudes towards physical activity, physical activity level, body composition were determined, and the elderly activity program using the Nordic walking classes was prepared. The study involved 16 older adults from Biržai city, Lithuania. Subjects ranged in age from 64 to 77 years (67.55 ± 4.06 years). Body composition was measured using body composition analyzer IOI 353, physical activity – an accelerometer ActiGraph wGT3X-BT. Measurements were conducted at the beginning and at the end of the programme. The descriptive statistics was conducted using the method of statistical data analysis: calculated arithmetic means, standard deviations, percentage values. Wilcoxon test was used to compare two dependent samples. Results were considered statistically significant when p ≤ 0.05. Data were analyzed using statistical data processing program SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) version 20.0 package and Microsoft Excel 2016 software package. Nordic walking training programme had a positive impact on the body composition changes of the target group. Anthropometric indicators of the target group decreased: body mass weight decreased by 2.05 kg (p =0.286), BMI decreased by 0.91 kg / m2 (p = 0.374), body fat decreased by an average of 0.48 kg (p = 0.790), lean body mass percentage increased by 0.1 percent (p = 0.760). Implementation of Nordic walking training programme shows a positive impact on the physical activity of older adults. In spring session, when the education programme has started, targeted group went 3321 steps more during Nordic walking days, and in the autumn session – 1301 steps more compared with other days. Keywords: physical activity, Nordic walking, body composition.

Nordic Walking Training in Persons with Parkinson Disease: Individualized Prescription-A Case Series

To describe a customized Nordic Walking (NW) training program in individuals with varied Parkinson gait dysfunction, and examine gait function, motor, and non-motor outcomes; Secondarily, to assess NW independent engagement and long-term retention following supervised NW training.

Possibilities of using Nordic walking training in cardiac rehabilitation

Possibilities of using Nordic walking training in cardiac rehabilitation

Possibilities of using Nordic walking training in cardiac rehabilitation

Cardiac rehabilitation means that cardiac rehabilitation should be considered as multidirectional and comprehensive activities, considering human health in a holistic approach. Cardiac rehabilitation should be implemented as soon as possible, immediately after the end of life-threatening conditions in the course of coronary events or the direct effects of invasive treatment.&#x0D; Many scientific studies indicate the effectiveness of Nordic Walking training in cardiac rehabilitation. It has the benefits of increasing exercise tolerance and oxygen uptake, and improves quality of life. Patients willingly choose this type of activity and tolerate it well, moreover, it is a generally available form of activity that can be practiced anytime and anywhere. This training can be recommended to a wide group of patients both as prevention and as a form of rehabilitation.

Effects of Physical Rehabilitation on Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters and Ground Reaction Forces of Patients with Intermittent Claudication.

Chronic ischemia of the lower extremities often presents as intermittent claudication characterized by lower limb pain which subsides after a short break. This study aimed to provide an assessment of the spatiotemporal parameters of gait and ground reaction forces in patients with PAD participating in three forms of supervised physical training. A total of 80 subjects completed a three-month supervised physical rehabilitation program with three sessions per week. The subjects were assigned to one of three programs: group 1—standard walking training on a treadmill (TT); group 2—Nordic walking (NW) training; group 3—strength and endurance training comprised of NW with isokinetic resistance training (NW + ISO). Gait biomechanics tests (kinematic and kinetic parameters of gait) and a six-minute walk test were carried out before and after three months of physical training. Nordic walking training led to the greatest improvements in the gait pattern of patients with PAD and a significant increase in the absolute claudication distance and total gait distance. Combined training (NW + ISO) by strengthening the muscles of the lower extremities increased the amplitude of the general center of gravity oscillation to the greatest extent. Treadmill training had little effect on the gait pattern. Nordic walking training should be included in the rehabilitation of patients with PAD as a form of gait training, which can be conducted under supervised or unsupervised conditions.

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.

Effects of Nordic walking on cardiovascular performance and quality of life in coronary artery disease.

Cardiometabolic effects of physical exercise depend on its intensity, duration, and type. Conventional cardiovascular rehabilitation (CCVR) programs have significant advantages, but non-conventional activities such as Nordic walking (NW) may offer additional health benefits. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of NW on cardiovascular performance and quality of life in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) compared to a CCVR program. This was a pseudo-randomized, prospective, single-blinded, parallel-group trial. The study was conducted at a resort/spa type facility located in a mountainous natural environment, 650 meters above sea level. Eighty-three CAD patients were allocated to either a Nordic walking or a control group. The NW group (N.=53; age 59.1±7.0 years) underwent a three-week outdoor exercise program consisting of 40 minutes of walking four-times per week, whereas the controls performed traditional walking instead of NW. A patient's prescribed exercise intensity was according to exertion tolerance within 50-70% of peak oxygen consumption (VO<inf>2max</inf>); rating of perceived exertion 'mild/moderate' (12 to 14 points) on the 0-20 Borg Scale. Primary endpoint: cardiovascular and functional performance (exercise ergometry [EE], metabolic equivalent of tasks [METs], ejection fraction [EF], Six-Minute Walking Test [6MWT]). Secondary endpoint was quality of life (Short-Form 36 Health Survey). Statistical analysis was performed by generalized estimating equations with Cohen's d effect size (ES). NW led to higher cardiovascular performance compared to CCVR (ΔEE: +11.0% vs. +3.2%, small ES; ΔMETs: +9.8% vs. +1.5%, medium ES) and better functional performance (Δ6MWT: +8.3% vs. +5.1%, small ES). No significant differences were detected in EF (P=0.240) and SF-36 (PCS, P=0.425; MCS, P=0.400). A three-week NW training program had clinically important effects, above and beyond CCVR, on cardiovascular and functional performance in CAD patients. Nordic walking is an accessible, safe, and effective low-threshold cardiac rehabilitation exercise training modality that seems to be particularly well-suited for people with limited functional and motivational capacities.

Nordic Walking and Walking in Parkinson's disease: a randomized single-blind controlled trial.

Non-pharmacological interventions are increasingly being acknowledged as valuable options to overcome or reduce functional problems in patients with Parkinson's disease. In the last decades, Nordic Walking was employed and investigated by rehabilitation specialists. Clinical trials on the effect of Nordic Walking on motor and non-motor Parkinson's disease symptoms are few, small, and heterogeneous for inclusion criteria and intervention protocols. As a result, Nordic Walking training cannot be recommended as a standard rehabilitative tool in Parkinson's disease patients. This randomized controlled single-blind trial recruited Parkinson's disease patients at a Hoehn and Yahr stage between 2 and 3 assigned to a Nordic Walking vs. Walking group. Subjects were extensively assessed for motor and non-motor symptoms at baseline and after 8weeks of intervention period. To study the effects of intervention on the overall sample, paired-sample t test and Wilcoxon signed rank test were used, while differences between groups were estimated with general linear models repeated-measure and Mann-Whitney U test. Among 32 patients who ended the study period, improvements were observed in the following assessments: global motor outcome (p 0.001), dynamic and static balance ability (p 0.005; p 0.002), global non-motor symptoms outcome (p 0.003), fatigue (p 0.016), anxiety (p 0.043), and quality of life (p 0.003). The treatment group (Nordic Walking) failed to show any difference compared to the control group (Walking) in all considered outcomes. Nordic Walking was not superior compared to Walking in the studied population. Moderate intensity outdoor group activities like Nordic Walking and Walking seem to improve motor and non-motor symptoms parameters in patients with Parkinson's disease.

Effect of HFE Gene Mutation on Changes in Iron Metabolism Induced by Nordic Walking in Elderly Women.

BackgroundExcess iron accumulation in human tissue is associated with the diet, lack of exercise, or genetic factors. Iron accumulation increases the risk of acute myocardial infarction, diabetes, and cancer. On the other hand, exercise reduces the risk of several morbidities and influences iron metabolism. Here, we evaluated changes in iron metabolism induced by exercise in elderly women bearing the H63A HFE mutation.PurposeTo identify a factor that modulates the effect of exercise on iron metabolism. We investigated whether regular exercise induces similar changes in iron metabolism, mainly manifested by lowered body iron stores, in individuals bearing the wild-type (WT) and mutated HFE gene.Subjects and MethodsSeventy-six women (average age 69.2±5.6 years old) were enrolled in the study. Thirty-nine women participated in 12 weeks of Nordic walking (NW) training; the remaining participants were assigned to the control group. Based on the H63A HFE mutation status, the NW group was divided into women bearing the mutation (HET, n=12) and women with the WT gene (WT, n=27).ResultsThe training resulted in a statistically significant reduction in the serum iron (p=0.03) and ferritin levels (p=0.001); hepcidin levels remained unchanged. No differences in these parameters were noted between the HET and WT groups.ConclusionThese observations suggest that a reduction in body iron stores might constitute an important aspect of the health-promoting effect of exercise, regardless of the genetic background.

Iron Status in Elderly Women Impacts Myostatin, Adiponectin and Osteocalcin Levels Induced by Nordic Walking Training.

Impaired iron metabolism is associated with increased risk of many morbidities. Exercise was shown to have a beneficial role; however, the mechanism is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between exerkines and iron metabolism in elderly women before and after 12 weeks of Nordic Walking (NW) training. Exerkines like myostatin, adiponectin, and osteocalcin have been shown to have several positive effects on metabolism. Thirty-six post-menopausal women (66 ± 5 years old, mean ± SD) were randomly assigned to a NW intervention group (n = 18; body mass, 68.8 ± 11.37 kg; fat, 23.43 ± 7.5 kg; free fat mass, 45.37 ± 5.92 kg) or a control group (n = 18; body mass, 68.34 ± 11.81 kg; fat, 23.61 ± 10.03 kg; free fat mass, 44.73 ± 3.9 kg). The training was performed three times a week for 12 weeks, with the intensity adjusted to 70% of the individual maximum ability. Before and one day after the 12-weeks intervention, performance indices were assessed using a senior fitness test. Blood samples (5 mL) were obtained from the participants between 7 and 8 AM, following an overnight fast, at baseline and one day immediately after the 12-week training program. A significant and large time × group interaction was observed for iron (NW: 98.6 ± 26.68 to 76.1 ± 15.31; CON: 100.6 ± 25.37 to 99.1 ± 27.2; p = 0.01; = 0.21), myostatin (NW: 4.42 ± 1.97 to 3.83 ± 1.52; CON: 4.11 ± 0.95 to 4.84 ± 1.19; p = 0.00; = 0.62), adiponectin (NW: 12.0 ± 9.46 to 14.6 ± 10.64; CON: 12.8 ± 8.99 to 11.9 ± 8.53; p = 0.00; = 0.58), and osteocalcin (NW: 38.9 ± 26.04 to 41.6 ± 25.09; CON: 37.1 ± 33.2 to 37.2 ± 32.29; p = 0.03; = 0.13). Furthermore, we have observed the correlations: basal ferritin levels were inversely correlated with changes in myostatin (r = −0.51, p = 0.05), change in adiponectin, and change in serum iron (r = −0.45, p = 0.05), basal iron, and osteocalcin after training (r = -0.55, p = 0.04). These findings indicate that iron modulates NW training-induced changes in exerkine levels.

Physiological response and cardiorespiratory adaptation after a 6-week Nordic Walking training targeted at lipid oxidation in a group of post-menopausal women.

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.