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."

[Grampa Dave]

Thank you.

One of our mid west relatives knows this retired woman who bikes/hikes in good weather and snowshoes in the winter.

[antceecee]

So admire those who can trek through the land. My husband is CHF also and I have issues with my knees… anything we can do to make each day better we are onto it! He walks our dog most every day and visits with the neighbors. I am still working my business and started drawing and painting again. God blesses us every day! Love to you and yours.

[FamiliarFace]

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

That would be something I would need to get used to doing also. I wonder if it feels natural or if it would feel awkward.

[GingisK]

I was thinking “Viking”.

[Grampa Dave]

Thanks for your blessings and back to you and yours.

I walked solo with my Norwegian walking sticks this morning for 4800 hundred yards.

Then, my wife joined me with her Glide stroller for 400 yards as her walking PT of the day.

We live on a cul de sac, and we can be on the street walking in a single step off our driveway. Often there are more deer and semi wild turkeys than vehicles.

[Grampa Dave]

Thanks for posting this.

It was just the kick in the butt that I needed after growing dormant, post my wife’s hip replacement.

I stick/walked yesterday before the heat settled in, and this morning solo and with my wife re her PT.

[ConservativeMind]

That is a wonderful thing to hear, and I am glad it helped get you moving again.

Honestly, Nordic walking sounds like a mighty useful option, and I will be looking for good poles, too.

[ConservativeMind]

Did you see the boron study writeup previously posted for joint issues?

There’s Nothing Boring About Boron
https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/3761669/posts?page=39#39

[antceecee]

Thank you I will take a look.