Nordic Walking Promoted Weight Loss in Overweight and Obese People: A Systematic Review for Future Exercise Prescription

Abstract

The aim of this systematic review was to analyze the effect of Nordic Walking (NW) on anthropometric parameters, body composition, cardiovascular parameters, aerobic capacity, blood sample, and glucose tolerance in overweight and obese subjects. The main keywords “Nordic Walking” or “Pole Walking”, associated with either “obese”, “obesity”, “overweight”, or “weight loss” were used on the online database MEDLINE, PubMed, SPORTDiscus and Scopus. Additionally, references of the studies included were screened to identify eligible articles. Applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, ten manuscripts were considered as eligible for this review. The results of the studies were categorized in several domains with regard to “anthropometric parameters and body composition”, “cardiovascular parameters and aerobic capacity”, and “blood sample and glucose tolerance”. The results showed positive effects on the anthropometric parameters, body composition, cardiovascular parameters, blood sample, and glucose tolerance. The greatest improvements were observed in supervised and high weekly frequency of NW interventions. NW could be considered as an effective modality through which to involve the obese in physical activity. For weight loss, NW should be prescribed 4–5 times per week, at least 60 min per session, preferably combined with diet control.

Effects of a Supervised Nordic Walking Program on Obese Adults with and without Type 2 Diabetes: The C.U.R.I.A.Mo. Centre Experience

“…NW involves upper and lower limbs simultaneously, with an increase of approximately 23% in energy expenditure compared to common walking activity [ 14 , 15 ], potentially ensuring major positive physiological effects linked with the prolonged and contemporaneous use of big muscle masses. Several studies showed the beneficial effects of NW in different disease populations [ 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ], but only a few studies have investigated the cardiometabolic effects of NW in individuals with obesity and DM2 [ 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 ]. So, the aims of our study were to analyze and report the cardiometabolic effects following a multidisciplinary intervention performed at the Centro Universitario Ricerca Interdipartimentale Attività Motoria (C.U.R.I.A.Mo.)…”

Nordic Walking Using Foot Weights to Increase Athletic Performance in Running

“…As shown by experimental studies [20], the effect of Scandinavian walking compared to traditional walking exercises and exercises on resistance of the group on physical fitness in the elderly is more reliable. Classes for Nordic walking have a positive effect on motivation for physical activity through the improvement of anthropometric parameters, body composition, cardiovascular processes and blood composition [9].…”

“…You can walk regularly from any length of time, at any pace, any time of day and any day of the week. And as long as it lasts as comfortable or as free time [9] allows.…”

“…Nordic walking perfectly develops the shoulder girdle, the muscles of the back, arms and legs [10]. Depending on the walking speed, it burns about 46% more calories than with normal walking [9]. This is achieved by including the upper body in the training process.…”

Nordic Walking for Overweight and Obese People: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…This goal can be achieved by conducting systematic reviews and meta-analyses that synthesize the scientific knowledge available on the subject, especially those based on the results from randomized controlled trials (RCTs), which are traditionally considered the gold standard for judging the benefits of treatments. 24 To the very best of the author's knowledge, only one systematic review 25 has been performed to analyze the effects of NW interventions on overweight and obese individuals, including RCTs and non-randomized studies, but no meta-analysis has been performed so far. The advantages of meta-analyses include an increase in power, an improvement in precision, the ability to answer questions not posed by individual studies, and the opportunity to settle controversies arising from conflicting claims.…”