Effects of Nordic walking on physical functions and depression in frail people aged 70 years and above

Abstract

[Purpose] This study investigated the effects of Nordic walking on physical functions and depression in frail people aged 70 years and above. [Subjects] Twenty frail elderly individuals ≥70 years old were assigned to either a Nordic walking group (n=8) or general exercise group (n=10). [Methods] The duration of intervention was equal in both groups (3 sessions/week for 12 weeks, 60 min/session). Physical function (balance, upper extremity strength, lower extremity strength, weakness) and depression were examined before and after the interventions. [Results] With the exception of upper extremity muscle strength, lower extremity strength, weakness, balance, and depression after Nordic walking demonstrated statistically significant improvement. However, in the general exercise group, only balance demonstrated a statistically significant improvement after the intervention. There were significant differences in the changes in lower extremity muscle strength, weakness and depression between the groups. [Conclusion] In conclusion, Nordic walking was more effective than general exercise. Therefore, we suggest that Nordic walking may be an attractive option for significant functional improvement in frail people over 70 years old.

Effects of a short-term Interval Aerobic Training Programme with active Recovery bouts (IATP-R) on cognitive and mental health, functional performance and quality of life: A randomised controlled trial in sedentary seniors

“…In a review conducted by Gogulla et al, the authors concluded that AT was the most effective type of training to improve depressive symptoms in seniors. Specifically, Lee et al, observed a significant decrease by 44% in depression score after 12 weeks of brisk walking in frail non‐depressed seniors. Similarly, Penninx et al showed a significant improvement in symptoms by 23% after 72 weeks of AT among older adults with high‐ and low‐depressive symptomatology.…”

Nordic walking training in elderly, a randomized clinical trial. Part II: Biomechanical and metabolic adaptations

“…NW is defined as walking with poles, and it is also considered as a physical activity for adults and older people [18,19]. Some studies evaluated the effect of NW training on physiological and neuromuscular parameters in the elderly [1,6,8,13,15,17,20]; however, the specific adaptations of mechanical work and muscular activation are not fully determined. The upper limb muscles are more intensely activated using poles than without poles [1,21,22].…”

Exercise Influences in Depressive Disorders: Symptoms, Biomarkers and Telomeres

“…An activity program based on "nordic walking", i.e. using staves, was shown to induce a positive effect on depressive symptoms and sleeping disorders in elderly patients, suggesting that Nordic walking based exercise programs should be developed for the elderly who suffer from depression or a sleeping disorder [4][5].…”

“…An activity program based on "nordic walking", i.e. using staves, was shown to induce a positive effect on depressive symptoms and sleeping disorders in elderly patients, suggesting that Nordic walking based exercise programs should be developed for the elderly who suffer from depression or a sleeping disorder [4][5].The notion of physical exercise as a "scaffolding" to buttress damage experienced under such conditions as traumatic brain damage and aging provokes the metaphor of transient measures, external to the buildings, that provides for construction, reconstruction and maintenance but not the buildings themselves. Scaffolding provides a normal process that continues across the lifespan involving that application and development of complementary, alternative neural circuits to achieve a particular cognitive goal (252); it is protective of cognition in the aging (or disabled) brain and is reinforced by physical exercise and cognitive engagement (which is harnessed during exercise.…”