Investigation of the effectiveness Of ‘Nordic Walking’ training on geriatric individuals: a randomized comparative study

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the effects of Nordic Walking training on muscle strength and endurance, balance, falls and fear of movement, aerobic capacity and quality of life in older individuals. METHODS: A total of 32 individuals aged 65-80 years were randomly assigned to either the Nordic Walking (NW) group or the Traditional Walking (GY) group. Outcomes included the 30-s sit-to-stand test (STS), 30-s biceps curl test (BCT), timed up and go test (TUG), 6-min walk test (6-MWT), Tinetti falls efficacy scale (TFES), Tampa kinesiophobia scale (TKS), and World Health Organization Quality of Life-Older Adults Module (WHOQOL-OLD). All outcomes were assessed at baseline and after a 12-week supervised training program (3 sessions/week). RESULTS: Of the 32 participants enrolled, 28 completed the study (NW-n = 14; TW-n = 14). Both groups improved across outcomes, with greater improvements in the NW group for STS (MD: 1.36; 95%CI 0.48-2.24), BCT (left-MD: 2.33; 95%CI 1.37-3.28; right-MD: 2.13; 95%CI 1.17-3.09), 6-MWT (MD: 51.13 m; 95%CI 23.78-78.47), TFES (MD: - 3.49; 95%CI - 5.35 to - 1.65), TKS (MD: - 8.08; 95%CI - 12.32 to - 3.84), and WHOQOL-OLD (MD: 3.46; 95%CI 0.84-6.09). No significant between-group difference was observed for TUG. CONCLUSION: NW training was superior to traditional walking in improving parameters such as, upper and lower extremity muscle strength and performance, aerobic capacity, fall efficacy, fear of moving, and quality of life in older individuals. NW training is an effective method for geriatric rehabilitation programs. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT07158931.