Objective: To examine the feasibility and the effects of a 4-week Nordic walking program on gait performance and aerobic endurance at treatment completion and 3-month follow-up among people with Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Background: Nordic walking (NW) is a full-body walking activity novel to the people with PD in Hong Kong. It utilizes specially-designed poles and techniques to enhance gait functions and cardiovascular fitness. As summarized in a systematic review, after 6 to 24 weeks of NW, people with PD exhibited significant effects in gait performance and endurance, when compared with free walking, flexibility program or usual care [1,2]. However, the long-term carry-over effect of NW is not clear.

Methods: Participants with PD were recruited by a convenient sampling. They received a weekly outdoor NW group training for 4 weeks (90 minutes/session), supervised by a certified Nordic walking instructor at the University campus. Participants further performed self-training of NW (2 hours/week) for 3 months after treatment completion. Outcome measures included comfortable gait speed (CGS), fast gait speed (FGS) and 6 minute walking distance (6MWD).

Results: Eight participants with mild to moderate PD (H&Y stage 2.5±0.5) completed the study with an attendance rate of 94%. There were no adverse effects or falls reported during the study period. Significant differences were found when comparing the data of all outcomes among 3 assessment intervals (p<0.05). Immediately post 4-week training, there were significant increases in the CGS (by 0.16m/s), FGS (by 0.12m/s) and 6MWD (by 43m) (all p<0.05) when compared with baseline. After 3 months of self-training, there were significant increases in the CGS (by 0.15m/s) and 6MWD (by 50m) (both p<0.05) when compared with baseline. The self-perceived benefits of NW included enhanced walking stability, balance confidence and endurance.

Conclusions: Nordic walking is a safe, feasible and potentially effective technique for people with mild to moderate PD in long-term. Further investigations are necessary to support whether NW should be included as part of a sustainable fitness program for PD management.

References: 1. Reuter I, Mehnert S, Leone P, et al. Effects of a flexibility and relaxation programme, walking and Nordic walking on Parkinson’s disease. J Aging Res 2011;2011:232473. 2. Cugusi L, Manca A, Dragone D, et al. Nordic walking for management of people with Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review. PM R. 2017;9:1157-1166.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/the-effects-of-nordic-walking-on-gait-functions-in-people-with-parkinsons-disease-a-long-term-pilot-study/