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

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the changes in the balance of healthy, elderly women as a result of Nordic walking training using of two types of poles: classic poles, and poles with an integrated resistance shock absorber. Thirty-four women completed the experiment (Age = 66.8 ± 4.1 years). They were randomly assigned into the experimental group-training with poles with an integrated resistance shock absorber-EG (n = 17), and the control active group-training with classic poles-CG (n = 17). Body balance was measured with Romberg sharpened test and using the AccuGait ™ force platform before and after an intervention lasting for 8 weeks (2 training sessions × 75 min per week). In ANOVA analysis, the Romberg sharpened test showed a statistically significant effect of "time" (F = 18.62, p < 0.001, ɳ² = 0.37). No interaction effect or clear "time" effect was observed in the ANOVA analysis for the results of posturographic tests (p > 0.05). The lack of pre-post differences in posturographic tests indicates that further research is necessary, where, e.g., there are extended intervention times and more difficult examination tasks are performed. In the case of the Romberg test, both groups improved their results, which may indicate an improvement in perception and processing of sensory information, regardless of the type of training applied.

Keywords: Nordic walking; Romberg sharpened test; aging; body balance; functional training; physical activity; posturographic evaluation.

Figure 1

General overview of the experiment. Note: EO—Eyes Open, EC—Eyes Open, DT –Dual Task.

Figure 2

Correct position of upper limbs during Nordic Walking with classic and resistant shock absorber (RSA) poles (A), and differences between poles (B).

Figure 3

Correct positioning of the feet “heel to toe” in the Romberg sharpened test—tandem stance (the dominating lower limb at the front position).

Figure 4

Flowchart of the experiment participants.

Figure 5

Mean values, standard error of measurements andanalysis of variance ANOVA for results of Romberg sharpened test. EG—experimental group, CG—control group.