Estimation of energy expenditure of Nordic walking: a crossover trial

Abstract

Background Nordic walking (NW) requires more energy compared with conventional walking (W). However, the metabolic equation for NW has not been reported. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize responses in oxygen uptake, minute ventilation, heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and surface electromyography of the upper and lower limb muscles during NW and W and develop a metabolic equation for energy expenditure (E, mL·kg− 1·min− 1) of NW. Methods This study was performed in a randomized, controlled, crossover design to test the energy expenditure during NW and W. Fifteen healthy young men were enrolled (aged 23.7 ± 3.0 years). All participants performed two randomly ordered walking tests (NW and W) on a treadmill at a predetermined stepwise incremental walking speed (3–5 km·h− 1) and grade (0–7%). The oxygen uptake, minute ventilation, heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and surface electromyography signals of the three upper limb muscles and three lower limb muscles in their right body were recorded and compared between NW and W using paired-t test. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to draw estimation of E during W and NW. Results Oxygen uptake (+ 15.8%), minute ventilation (+ 17.0%), heart rate (+ 8.4%), and systolic blood pressure (+ 7.7%) were higher in NW than in W (P < .05). NW resulted in increased muscle activity in all of the upper limb muscles (P < .05). In the lower limb, surface electromyography activities in two of the three lower limb muscles were increased in NW than in W only during level walking (P < .05). Energy expenditure during W and NW was estimated as follows: ENW = 6.1 + 0.09 × speed + 1.19 × speed × grade and EW = 4.4 + 0.09 × speed + 1.20 × speed × grade. Conclusion NW showed higher work intensity than W, with an oxygen consumption difference of 1.7 mL·kg− 1·min− 1. The coefficients were not different between the two walking methods. NW involved more muscles of the upper body than W.

Comparative effectiveness of playing golf to Nordic walking and walking on acute physiological effects on cardiometabolic markers in healthy older adults: a randomised cross-over study

“…Previous studies have described Nordic walking as a more effective moderate-intensity exercise,26 27 whereas golf is considered low-to-moderate intensity28 29 because it involves stops, waiting and planning game strategy, thus lowering one’s HR during the game 30. In agreement with our findings, the significantly longer duration of completing a round of golf compared with other exercise types29 31 may explain why golf is a more effective exercise than Nordic walking or walking based on energy expenditure, steps and distance. The energy expenditure of golf—as a long-term, lower-intensity exercise—can also induce positive responses to the metabolism.…”

The Effects of Cardiac Rehabilitation including Nordic Walking in Patients with Chronic Coronary Syndromes after Percutaneous Coronary Interventions in Elective Mode

“…The results of our analysis are consistent with those obtained in the study by Lan et al [ 39 ], who evaluated cardiorespiratory parameters, including oxygen pulse, in patients undergoing PCI and CABG. In the research conducted by Baek et al [ 42 ], the effects of NW and walking without the use of poles in a group of healthy men were compared, with the assessment of respiratory indices taking into account, among others, the minute ventilation rate of the lungs. The evaluation of this indicator showed its increase (+17.0%) in men subjected to NW activity.…”

“…The evaluation of this indicator showed its increase (+17.0%) in men subjected to NW activity. The suggested basis of these changes probably resulted from the additionally implemented NW activity [ 42 ].…”

The VENERE Study: EffectiVenEss of a Rehabilitation Treatment With Nordic Walking in ObEse or OveRweight Diabetic PatiEnts With Cardiovascular Disease

“…The technique also tones the upper part of the body—in particular, the triceps, shoulders, and back, with the involvement of about 90% of the body's muscles, while maintaining a reduced load on ligaments and joints. 23 Accordingly, this exercise could be considered an optimal technical resource to promote an effective program with prolonged patient engagement.…”