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Research Papers

Nordic walking for geriatric rehabilitation: a randomized pilot trial

, MSc, , PhD, , PT, , PhD, , PT MD & , PhD
Pages 968-975 | Received 18 Aug 2011, Accepted 30 Jul 2012, Published online: 15 Oct 2012
 

Abstract

Purpose: There is a need to identify effective interventions to promote walking capacity in seniors. This study compares nordic walking (NW) and usual overground walking (OW) and estimates the relative efficacy in improving walking capacity (endurance and gait speed) of the elderly. Method: Single blind, site-stratified, randomized, pilot trial designed to estimate the amount of change with NW and OW. Main outcomes were distance walked measured by 6-min walk test (6MWT) and comfortable gait speed measured by 5-meter walk test (5MWT). Explanatory variables were age, sex, number of comorbidities, walking aids, balance, pain, and leg function. Results: NW and OW participants improved, respectively, 45 and 41 m on 6MWT and increased their gait speed by 0.14 and 0.07 m/s, respectively. NW effect sizes were moderate for 6MWT (ES = 0.53) and large for gait speed (effect size (ES) = 0.68). OW demonstrated moderate effect size for 6MWT (ES = 0.53) but a small one for gait speed (ES = 0.33). Relative efficacy, which was obtained from the ratio of NW and OW effects’ sizes, was 1 for 6MWT and 2.06 for gait speed. Conclusions: NW is 106% more effective in improving gait speed among elderly than OW.

Implications for Rehabilitation

  • Elderly are the fastest growing segment of the population. With advanced age, greater number of disabilities, and consequently mobility limitations, are observed among this group.

  • Nordic walking is a more intensive form of walking, using muscles of upper and lower body. There’s evidence that nordic walking leads to greater cardiorespiratory workload without an increase in the level of exertion.

  • In this study, nordic walking was 106% more efficient than regular walking in improving gait speed among the elderly.

  • Clinicians specialized in geriatric rehabilitation may contribute to improve gait speed of seniors by adding nordic walking, a non-expensive and feasible option, to their physiotherapy sessions.

Acknowledgments

The authors thank Lyne Nadeau and Susan Scott for their assistance with randomization and data analysis; all the staff from the Geriatric Day Hospital at the Royal Victoria Hospital and from the Richardson Hospital; HarshidaPattel for contributing with the intervention procedure and the data collection. Trial registered at Clinical Trials.gov under #NCT00805220. Sponsor’s role: Canadian Nordic Walking Association provided 5 pair of poles and two certified training courses. The North American Nordic Walking Association provided 5 pair of poles. The study was supported by MUHC – Geriatric Funding. Author Contributions: Sabrina Figueiredo was responsible for conducting the trial, analyzing the data, and writing the manuscripts. Dr. Lois Finch provided guidance throughout the study and edited the paper. Jiali Mai conducted the evaluations. Dr. Sara Ahmed and Dr. Allen Huang provided theoretical input. Dr. Nancy Mayo supervised all aspects of the project, providing procedural guidance, edited, and reviewed the paper. Lyne Nadeau provided assistance with database development and management and statistical programming.

Declaration of Interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

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