Preprint · Apr 12, 2019
Biomechanical and metabolic responses to Nordic Walking training in elderly, a randomized clinical trial (preprint)
By Gomeñuka NA, Oliveira HB, da Silva ES et al.
Nordic walking has been shown as an attractive method of aerobic training. Nevertheless, the biomechanical response due to the additional contribution of using poles in relation to free walking training has been less explored in the elderly. This randomized parallel controlled trial aimed to assess the effects of eight-weeks of Nordic walking and free walking training on the cost of transport, the rating of perceived exertion, mechanical work, and muscular engagement in elderly. Thirty-three sedentary elderly were randomized into Nordic walking (n=16) and free walking group (n=17) with equal volume and intensity. Submaximal walking tests were performed from 1 to 5 km.h-1 on the treadmill. The cost of transport decreased after training in both groups (x2 4.91, p = 0.014), while the electromyographic activation in lower and upper limbs, pendular recovery, total, external and internal mechanical work remained unchanged (p > 0.05). Also, both groups increased the optimal walking speed by approximately 0.5 km.h-1 changing the speed-cost profile. The internal mechanical work to move arms was greater in the Nordic walking group than in the free walking group after training. The most economical walking stems in part from the reduced co-contraction in shoulder muscles in both groups. The higher upper limb-swing energy after eight weeks using poles deserves further analysis. In conclusion, in elderly people, Nordic walking effectively decreases the cost of transport, improve walking functionality, and maintain gait mechanics, similarly to free walking training.Trial registration: ClinicalTrails.gov NCT03096964.