Nordic walking improves functional capacity in people with heart disease

Medical Xpress / Elsevier / Canadian Journal of Cardiology ^ | June 15, 2022 | Tasuku Terada et al / Jenna L. Taylor et al,

[ConservativeMind]

Researchers identified a greater increase in functional capacity, the ability to perform activities of daily living, as a result of Nordic walking in patients with coronary heart disease compared to standard high-intensity interval training and moderate-to-vigorous intensity continuous training.

Cardiovascular rehabilitation and exercise training programs following major cardiovascular events are associated with considerable improvements in functional capacity and cardiorespiratory fitness, as well as mental health. However, some individuals do not enjoy monotonous forms of exercise, such as walking and stationary cycling, and therefore may stop exercising once their cardiovascular rehabilitation program is completed. Researchers explored more diverse exercise options that might appeal to more people.

Growing evidence suggests that non-conventional exercise interventions, such as high-intensity interval training and Nordic walking are more effective than traditional exercise approaches in improving functional capacity measured by a six-minute walk test—an important predictor of cardiovascular events in patients with coronary artery disease. Nordic walking is an enhanced form of walking exercise that uses specifically designed poles to further engage both the upper and lower body muscles.

Investigators compared the prolonged effects of 12-week rehabilitation with 1) high-intensity interval training; 2) moderate-to-vigorous intensity continuous training; and 3) Nordic walking, on functional capacity, quality of life and depression symptoms in patients with coronary artery disease.

While all exercise programs improved depression symptoms and quality of life, the improvement in functional capacity was greatest after Nordic walking (+19%) when compared to high-intensity interval training (+13%) and moderate-to-vigorous intensity continuous training (+12%).

"This is a key finding because lower functional capacity predicts higher risk of future cardiovascular events in people with coronary artery disease," noted Dr. Reed. "Nordic walking engages core, upper and lower body muscles while reducing loading stress at the knee, which may have resulted in greater improvements in functional capacity."

[ConservativeMind]

Better than high intensity and vigorous steady-state exercise? Excellent!

Walk like a Norwegian.

[ConservativeMind]

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[packagingguy]

Had no idea they called it Nordic walking, saw people using trekking poles at Yellowstone so I bought a pair.

It really makes walking a lot better, especially when you are on uneven ground. And you can go faster too.

If you don’t have a set you might think about getting some for your next trip to the mountains.

[ProtectOurFreedom]

I blew a knee meniscus out about 15 years ago and my doctor recommended using walking pole to take load off the knee and enhance the upper body workout. It took a bit to get used to them, but I got to really liking them plus I felt I had more stability on rough trails. I usually just use them on trails, not around town.

I never knew it had a name.

[jacknhoo]

A good introduction to Nordic Walking:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=zAmsHhc2zCw

[Grampa Dave]

Thanks for posting this.

Over a decade ago, I bought a set of these walking sticks and they are great.

My wife had a hip replacement in early March of this year, and my Nordic walking has basically disappeared as I have been watching and helping her.

My CHF symptoms have returned. Before our heat wave settled in, we had a couple of good walks with her Glide walker and me with my Nordic sticks.

I felt better than I have in a while.

[Adder]

I started using them about 8 years ago to extend my hiking life. Really helps the knees, especially on down hills.

[Bonemaker]

I think it might damage my cardiovascular system!😎

[algore]

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=D738CuOMMOw

[FreedomPoster]

I’d take the risk - for Science!

[Secret Agent Man]

I guess I do my nordic walking lying down...

[TianaHighrider]

Bookmark

[NewJerseyJoe]

P4L

[llevrok]

Ooof Da!!

[KittyKares]

Thanks for the video. I wonder if I could get used to opening and closing my hands like that.

[Jane Long]

Thanks for that link.

[Jamestown1630]

I bought some of those walking poles with bungees inside. Immediately, Covid hit, and I was stuck at the computer at home all day.

Will have to pull them out.

[caww]

I thought this was Nordic Walking until I checked the vido link!

[antceecee]

God bless and keep you two well. I have a friend in Wisconsin who treks out even in snow with her snow shoes God bless her spirit!

[grey_whiskers]

Pit-a-pat.

You can always tell a Norwegian, but you can’t tell them much.