Nordic walking improves mobility in Parkinson's disease

Abstract

Nordic walking may improve mobility in Parkinson's disease (PD). Here, we examined whether the beneficial effects persist after the training period. We included 19 PD patients [14 men; mean age 67.0 years (range 58-76); Hoehn and Yahr stage range 1-3] who received a 6-week Nordic walking exercise program. Outcome was assessed prior to training (T1), immediately after the training period (T2) and-in a subgroup of 9 patients--5 months after training (T3). At T2, we observed a significant improvement in timed 10-m walking, the timed get-up-and-go-test (TUG), the 6-min walking test and quality of life (PDQ-39). All treatment effects persisted at T3. Compliance was excellent, and there were no adverse effects. These preliminary findings suggest that Nordic walking could provide a safe, effective, and enjoyable way to reduce physical inactivity in PD and to improve the quality of life. A large randomized clinical trial now appears justified.

Effects of Nordic walking on Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials

“…Table 1 summarizes the quality of the included studies. Three studies showed no random allocation 28,35,36 , and four studies showed no concealed allocation 28,29,35 . No study used blinded subjects and therapists, or showed an intention to treat.…”

“…Total intervention sessions ranged from 24 36 to 72 31 , and the duration of each session varied from 60 27,28,35,36 to 70 31 minutes for a total of 6 28 to 24 31 weeks. Only two studies reported the intensity of Nordic walking 35,36 (moderate as evaluated by ratings of perceived exertion level, and high intensity measured by a heart rate monitor).…”

“…Only two studies reported the intensity of Nordic walking 35,36 (moderate as evaluated by ratings of perceived exertion level, and high intensity measured by a heart rate monitor). Three studies included a control group 27,31,35 , and two conducted follow-ups of 16 27 to 20 28 weeks. Outcome measures were disease severity, gait, balance, quality of life, functional fitness and motor function.…”

“…Van Eijkeren et al 28 found a significant difference in gait speed between pre-and post-intervention using a Nordic Walking Program (NW) (p<0.001). Ebersbach et al 27 demonstrated a significant difference between LSVT® BIG intervention groups (characterized by repetitive, wide range movements of high intensity and increasing complexity) and an unsupervised Home Exercise group (p=0.015).…”

“…Recent evidence suggests that NW is a therapeutic modality for several conditions such as peripheral arterial disease 23 , chronic low back pain 24 , type 2 diabetes mellitus 25 , heart failure 26 and PD 27 . The effects of NW on patients with PD are related primarily to increased aerobic fitness, increased muscle strength and improved motor coordination 28 . The increasing research interest in exercise in PD is driven by the need to establish sustainable therapeutic strategies that are cost-effective, easy to apply, promote an active lifestyle and offer the best treatment available for the various conditions that are associated with PD 29 .…”