Nordic walking- A new form of adapted physical activity (A literature Review)

Abstract

PURPOSE: T he purpose of this study was to analyze scientific evidence on the effects that Nordic Walking (NW) has on the human body.
BASIC PROCEDURES: A comprehensive search of computer databases (MEDLINE/PubMed, C INAHL, and SPORTDiscus) was conductedto identify relevant English and Polish studies on NW that were published from 1995 to 2009 and based on scientific research.
MAIN FINDINGS: A total of 26 studies met the inclusion criteria. T he majority of studies (12) discussed physiological issues, eleven studies werededicated to NW as a form of rehabilitation (including one case study), and three studies focused on biomechanical issues present inNW.
CONCLUSIONS: Not all of the widely promoted benefits of NW were confirmed in the results of the found scientific studies. Oftenanalyzed issues did not provide sufficient explanation. T here is a large discrepancy in the results of physiological responses during NWin a variety of conditions (on a treadmill with/without grade; field . uphill/downhill/horizontal level terrain). T he results of studiesanalyzing the effects of NW training as a form of rehabilitation particularly in the areas of cardiology confirmed the positive aspects ofincluding NW towards a patientfs rehabilitation after acute coronary syndrome, with intermittent claudication, and after coronary arterydisease, or after myocardial infarction. C ontrary to popular belief and previously done studies, recent research has shown that NW doesnot reduce the loading of the knee joint.