The Effect of Nordic Walking Training with Poles with an Integrated Resistance Shock Absorber on the Functional Fitness of Women over the Age of 60

Abstract

Inadequate levels of physical activity among older people lead to a gradual decline in self-reliance and consequent dependence on other people. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of Nordic walking training with poles with an integrated resistance shock absorber on the functional fitness of older women. Forty-two women (Mage = 64.7 ± 3.15 years) were randomly assigned into the experimental group—training with poles with an integrated resistance shock absorber, EG (n = 21) and the control active group—training with classic poles, CG (n = 21). Functional fitness was measured with the Senior Fitness Test before and after an intervention lasting for 8 weeks (2 training sessions × 75 minutes per week). Two-way ANOVA revealed statistically significant interaction effects for aerobic endurance (F = 14.47, p < 0.001) and upper body strength (F = 5.98, p < 0.05), indicating greater improvement in the experimental group. Nordic walking training both with classic poles and with poles with an integrated resistance shock absorber is beneficial for older people and improves functional fitness over a short time period. However, the poles with an integrated resistance shock absorber provide additional resistance effort during marching, which causes increased muscle activation and results in improved muscle strength and aerobic endurance. Based on these results, it can be concluded that this kind of training could be applied in the complex health programs of seniors.

The Effects of Nordic Walking With Poles With an Integrated Resistance Shock Absorber on Cognitive Abilities and Cardiopulmonary Efficiency in Postmenopausal Women

“…The recent and so far, the only investigation with the use of NW with RSA training concerns the assessment of functional fitness in older women (Marciniak et al, 2020). It has been demonstrated that additional resistance during NW with RSA causes increased muscle activation and, as a result, improved muscle strength and aerobic endurance in comparison to NW.…”

“…However, there is one available study concerning the effects of the NW with RSA training on the functional fitness of older women. The authors indicated that in comparison to NW, the NW with RSABP training provides additional resistance effort during marching, improved muscle strength, and aerobic endurance as a result of increased muscle activation (Marciniak et al, 2020). According to information from the NW with RSA producer, the use of NW with RSA poles and NW poles provides an average of 21 and 18% higher oxygen consumption, respectively, compared to normal walking 1 .…”

“…During the meetings, the walking distance from 3.5 to 4.5 km, as well as the number of exercises performed from 8 to 12 repetitions was gradually increased. Exercise intensity corresponded to 50% HRR (heart rate recovery) during 1-8 training sessions, while from sessions 9-16 the intensity increased to 65-70% HRR and was monitored based on heart rate (HR) (Polar Electro Oy, Kernpele, Finland) (Marciniak et al, 2020). The minimum required presence at 13 training sessions was adopted (80%).…”

In Vivo Assessment of Lower Limb Muscle Stress State Based on Shear Wave Elastography

“…The exclusion criteria were as follows: (a) participants who had lower extremity surgery or major trauma, (b) participants with history of various types of muscle disorders, such as muscles fibrositis, myasthenia gravis, and progressive muscular dystrophy, (c) participants with a history of systemic, metabolic, endocrine, and other diseases, (d) participants who had a history of neurologic diseases, and (e) participants with a family history of heredity. Additionally, the 2-minute step test was used to estimate the level of fitness [31], and there was no significant difference in the level of fitness of the 8 subjects. This study was carried out in accordance with the recommendations of the First Bethune Hospital of Jilin University.…”

The Effect of Nordic Walking Training with Poles with an Integrated Resistance Shock Absorber on the Body Balance of Women over the Age of 60

“…A relatively new form of NW is marching with poles containing a resistance shock absorber (RSA). Such training combines aerobic exercise with strength training of the upper limbs and upper torso muscles [ 27 ]. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) emphasizes the necessity of strength training in seniors as one of the pivotal elements for comprehensive management to maintain the appropriate level of physical fitness in the elderly [ 28 ].…”