Effects of Nordic walking and walking on spatiotemporal gait parameters and ground reaction force

Nordic walking and arm swing asymmetry in people with Parkinson's disease: protocol for a randomised clinical trial

People with Parkinson's disease (PD) face disruptions in arm swing (AS) motion during walking, including a reduction in amplitude and an increase in asymmetry. Both conditions are detrimental to gait performance. Nordic walking (NW) is a walking modality that uses poles and can positively affect the parameters of AS. This study aims to compare an NW with a free walking (FW) protocol and investigate its effects on AS asymmetry, AS amplitude and gait parameters in people with PD. Twenty-eight people with PD, stages 1-3 on the Hoehn and Yahr Scale, will be randomly assigned to the NW training group (n=14) or the FW training group (n=14). The primary outcomes are amplitude asymmetry of AS (%) and AS amplitude (deg). We will also analyse temporospatial measurements during walking, functional mobility and quality of life. Blinded researchers will conduct evaluations at baseline (T0), postintervention (T1) and at 1 month follow-up (T2). Participants will complete 24 supervised NW or FW training sessions for 12 weeks. This is the first study to address the effects of NW on the asymmetry of AS, AS amplitude and its influence on gait parameters. We hypothesise that an NW programme in PD will reduce the asymmetry and increase the AS amplitude during gait to a greater extent than FW. The results of this study may provide new evidence to understand the effects of NW on gait in people with PD. The study was registered in ClinicalTrial.gov (NCT06342271).

Do Mechatronic Poles Change the Gait Technique of Nordic Walking in Patients with Ischemic Heart Disease?

The study aimed to compare the technique of normal gait with the Nordic walking (NW) gait with classical and mechatronic poles in patients with ischemic heart disease. It was assumed that equipping classical NW poles with sensors enabling biomechanical gait analysis would not cause a change in the gait pattern. The study involved 12 men suffering from ischemic heart disease (age: 66.2 ± 5.2 years, body height: 173.8 ± 6.74 cm; body mass: 87.3 ± 10.89 kg; disease duration: 12.2 ± 7.5 years). The MyoMOTION 3D inertial motion capture system (Noraxon Inc., Scottsdale, AZ, USA) was used to collect biomechanical variables of gait (spatiotemporal and kinematic parameters). The subject's task was to cover the 100 m distance with three types of gait-walking without poles (normal gait), walking with classical poles to NW, and walking with mechatronic poles from the so-called preferred velocity. Parameters were measured on the right and left sides of the body. The data were analyzed using two-way repeated measures analysis of variance with the between-subject factor "body side." Friedman's test was used when necessary. For most kinematic parameters, with the exception of knee flexion-extension (p = 0.474) and shoulder flexion-extension (p = 0.094), significant differences were found between normal and walking with poles for both the left and right side of the body and no differences due to the type of pole. Differences between the left and right movement ranges were identified only for the ankle inversion-eversion parameter (gait without poles p = 0.047; gait with classical poles p = 0.013). In the case of spatiotemporal parameters, a reduction in the cadence step value using mechatronic poles and the stance phase using classical poles compared to normal walking was observed. There was also an increase in the values for step length and step time regardless of the type of poles, stride length, and swing phase when using classical poles and stride time when using mechatronic poles. The differences between the right and left sides of the measurement occurred when walking with both types of poles for single support (gait with classical poles p = 0.003; gait with mechatronic poles p = 0.030), stance phase (gait with classical poles p = 0.028; gait with mechatronic poles p = 0.017) and swing phase (gait with classical poles p = 0.028; gait with mechatronic poles p = 0.017). Mechatronic poles can be used in the study of the biomechanics of gait in real-time with feedback on its regularity because no statistically significant differences were found between the NW gait with classical and mechatronic poles in the studied men with ischemic heart disease.

The Impact of Nordic Walking Pole Length on Gait Kinematic Parameters

Nordic walking (NW) is a popular physical activity used to manage chronic diseases and maintain overall health and fitness status. This study aimed to compare NW to ordinary walking (W) with regard to pole length and to identify kinematic differences associated with different poles' length (55%, 65% and 75% of the subject's height, respectively). Twelve male volunteers (21.1 ± 0.7 years; 1.74 ± 0.05 m; 68.9 ± 6.1 kg) were tested in four conditions (W, NW55, NW65 and NW75) at three different speeds (4-5-6 km∗h^-1). Each subject performed a total of twelve tests in a random order. Three-dimensional kinematics of upper and lower body were measured for both W and NW, while oxygen consumption levels (VO₂) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured only for NW trials with different poles' length. NW showed a higher step length, lower elbow motion and higher trunk motion (p < 0.05) compared to W. Additionally, NW65 did not show any kinematic or RPE differences compared to NW55 and NW75. Only NW75 showed a higher elbow joint (p < 0.05) and lower pole (p < 0.05) range of motion compared to NW55 and a higher VO₂ (p < 0.05) compared to NW55 and NW65 at 6 km∗h^-1. In conclusion, the use of the poles affects the motion of the upper and lower body during gait. Poles with shorter or longer length do not produce particular changes in NW kinematics. However, increasing the length of the pole can be a smart variation in NW to increase exercise metabolic demand without significantly affecting the kinematics and the RPE.

A Review of Biomechanical and Physiological Effects of Using Poles in Sports

The use of poles in sports, to support propulsion, is an integral and inherent component of some sports disciplines such as skiing (cross-country and roller), Nordic walking, and trail running. The aim of this review is to summarize the current state-of-the-art of literature on multiple influencing factors of poles in terms of biomechanical and physiological effects. We evaluated publications in the subfields of biomechanics, physiology, coordination, and pole properties. Plantar pressure and ground reaction forces decreased with the use of poles in all included studies. The upper body and trunk muscles were more active. The lower body muscles were either less active or no different from walking without poles. The use of poles led to a higher oxygen consumption (VO2) without increasing the level of perceived exertion (RPE). Furthermore, the heart rate (HR) tended to be higher. Longer poles reduced the VO2 and provided a longer thrust phase and greater propulsive impulse. The mass of the poles showed no major influence on VO2, RPE, or HR. Solely the activity of the biceps brachii increased with the pole mass.

Does Nordic Walking technique influence the ground reaction forces?

BACKGROUND

Nordic Walking (NW) practice has increased during the last decade, generating great benefits related to the reduction of ground reaction forces (GRF). However, there is still limited evidence regarding how the NW technique could affect GRF.

RESEARCH QUESTION

To analyze the effect of the speed and the differences in ground reaction forces (GRF) between NW with Diagonal technique (DT) versus Alpha technique (AT) and compare them with normal walking (W) METHODS: 29 male physically active sport science students were randomly assigned to one of the training groups: AT (n = 15) or DT (n = 14). After 5 technique familiarization sessions, participants performed 5 experimental trials on a walkway for both NW and W at two different walking speeds, previously randomized. A two-way repeated measures ANOVA analysis was carried out to find differences between speeds (preferred, fast) and gait (NW, W) as within-subject factors and NW techniques (DT vs AT) as between-subject factor.

RESULTS

During NW, both technique groups (AT, DT) showed an increase in GRF variables compared to W, such as in stance time (2.9 % mean increment, p < 0.01, ES = 0.3; 95 %IC[-0.027, -0.008]), vertical force impact or vertical heel strike variables (4.9 % mean increment, p < 0.01, ES = 0.4; 95 %IC[0.101, 0.036]; 7.3 % mean increment, p < 0.01, ES = 0.8; 95 %IC[-0.133, -0.081] respectively). Moreover, AT group experienced significant lower forces at vertical force at midstance (10.1 % mean descent, p = 0.036, ES = 0.3; 95 %IC[-0.083, -0.009]) and higher forces at AP propulsive forces (23.7 % mean increment, p < 0.001, ES = 0.6; 95 %IC[0.078, 0.202) and ML max force (14.0 % mean increment, p = 0.045, ES = 0.3; 95 %IC[0.002, 0.026]) compared to DT group. Walking speed was significantly higher during NW (Preferred: 1.89 ± 0.18 m/s; Fast: 2.17 ± 0.21 m/s) compared to W (Preferred: 1.76 ± 0.15 m/s; Fast: 2.04 ± 0.19 m/s) in both speed conditions.

SIGNIFICANCE

NW favours an increase in GRF and speed in comparison with Walking, independently of the technique, with no evidence that justifies the use of one technique or another.

No Influence of Mechatronic Poles on the Movement Pattern of Professional Nordic Walkers

This study compared selected temporal and kinematic parameters of normal gait and Nordic Walking (NW) performed with classic and mechatronic poles (classic poles equipped with sensors). It was assumed that equipping NW poles with sensors for biomechanical gait analysis would not impair the NW walking technique. Six professional NW instructors and athletes, including three women, participated in the study. The MyoMotion MR3 motion analysis system was used to collect gait kinematic variables. The subject's task was to cover a 100-m distance with three types of gait: a gait without poles, a gait with classic NW poles, and a gait with mechatronic poles at the preferred speed. Parameters were measured both on the right and left sides of the body. No significant differences were found between gait types for three temporal parameters: step cadence, step, and stride time. For the other variables, all the differences identified were between free-walking and walking with poles, with no differences between standard and mechatronic poles. For nine kinematic parameters, differences between free-walking and walking with poles for both the left and right sides were found, while no differences were due to the pole type. All temporal parameters were characterized by symmetry, while among kinematic parameters, only two were asymmetrical (shoulder abduction-adduction in walking with regular poles and elbow flexion-extension in walking without poles). Equipping classic NW poles with additional signaling and measuring devices (mechatronic poles) does not impair the NW technique, making it possible to use them in further studies of gait biomechanics.

Selected Spatiotemporal and Joint Angle Parameters in Normal Gait and Nordic Walking with Classical and Mechatronic Poles in Aspects of Sex Differences

Introduction

The aim of this study was to compare selected spatiotemporal parameters and changes in the range of motion in the joints of lower and upper limbs during normal gait and during Nordic walking performed with classical and mechatronic poles of females and males.

Methods

The study involved 19 physical education students (11 males and 8 females). The MyoMotion research motion analysis system was used to collect gait kinematic variables. The subject task was to cover a 100 m distance in a straight line with three types of gait: gait without poles, gait with classical poles, and gait with mechatronic poles at preferred velocity. Parameters were measured both on the right (RT) and on the left side (LT) of the body. The data was analyzed using two-way repeated measures ANOVA with the between-subject factor "sex." Friedman's test was used when necessary.

Results

The most significant differences in spatiotemporal parameters between males and females were revealed in gait with the classical and mechatronic pole (stance phase LT and RT, load response LT and RT, single support LT and RT, preswing LT and RT, swing phase LT and RT, double stance LT and RT, and step length LT), the least in gait without a pole (stance phase RT, load response LT, single support LT, preswing RT, and swing phase RT); whereas, the most significant differences in kinematic parameters were revealed in gait without poles (shoulder rotation RT, wrist radial-ulnar LT, hip flexion-extension LT and RT, knee flexion-extension LT and RT, ankle inversion-eversion LT, and ankle abduction-adduction LT and RT), the least in gait with mechatronic poles (knee flexion-extension LT and RT, ankle dorsiflexion-plantarflexion LT, ankle inversion-eversion LT, and ankle abduction-adduction LT and RT).

Conclusion

Statistical analysis revealed many differences in spatiotemporal and kinematic parameters in normal gait, as well as in gait with the classical and mechatronic poles, which allows the conclusion that the gait of females and males should be analyzed separately.

Nordic walking with an integrated resistance shock absorber affects the femur strength and muscles torques in postmenopausal women

Deterioration of the structure and function of the musculoskeletal system represents a significant problem during aging and intervention with a suitable load of physical activity may improve the quality of life. Nordic walking (NW) has become a popular and easily accessible form of activity, especially for older adults people around the world. Thus, the purpose of the study was to evaluate the influence of an Nordic walking training program with classic poles (NW) and with integrated resistance shock absorber (RSA) on bone mineral density and the peak torques of upper limb muscles and to compare the effects of both intervention programs. 25 women were randomly assigned to two training groups: 10 subjects using RSA (68 ± 4.19 years) and 15 subjects using NW poles (65 ± 3.40 years), which completed 8 weeks of training program. The hip, spine and forearm areal bone mineral density, torques of the flexors and extensors at the elbow and shoulder joints were measured before starting the training programs and after their completion. The most significant effect was found in differences between the two groups of women with respect to the femur strength index (p = 0.047) and the ratio of the flexors to extensors in the elbow (p = 0.049) and shoulder (p = 0.001) joints and peak torque of flexors in the shoulder joint (p = 0.001) for the left arm. A significant difference was also found in the index of torque asymmetry of flexors in the shoulder joint (p = 0.002). The study shows that Nordic walking with RSA poles for postmenopausal women led to beneficial changes in the femur strength index. However, we found no significant influence on bone mineral density values measured on the whole body, the femoral neck, forearm or lumbar spine regions. The occurrence of asymmetry in biomechanical muscle parameters, which was observed using RSA poles, may suggest the necessity of systematic controlling the gait technique to avoid the adverse consequences of asymmetrical rotation of the lumbar spine.

Influence of Nordic Walking Training on Vitamin D Level in the Blood and Quality of Life among Women Aged 65-74

Introduction. Demographic forecasts indicate the progressive aging process of societies in all countries worldwide. The extension of life span may be accompanied by deterioration of its quality resulting from a decrease in physical activity, mental or even social performance, and a deficit in certain chemical compounds responsible for proper functioning of the body. Aim. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of a 12-week Nordic walking (NW) training intervention on the level of vitamin D in the blood and quality of life among women aged 65–74 years. Materials and methods. The study comprised 37 women aged 65–74 (x = 68.08, SD = 4.2). The subjects were randomly assigned to 2 groups: experimental group (NW), which consisted of 20 women who underwent an intervention in the form of Nordic walking training for 12 weeks, and the control group (C), including 17 women who underwent observation. In the experimental group, training sessions were held 3 times a week for 1 h. At that time, the C group was not subject to any intervention. The SF−36 questionnaire was used to measure quality of life. Vitamin D was assessed based on the results of biochemical blood tests. The analysed parameters were assessed twice-before and after the completed intervention or observation. Results. Comparison of the results regarding trials 1 and 2 allowed to note statistically significant improvement in quality of life for all health components and factors in the NW group. Analysis of vitamin D levels demonstrated a statistically significant increase in the NW group. In group C, no significant changes in the analysed parameters were observed. Conclusions. Regularly undertaking Nordic walking training significantly influences the improvement of self-evaluation regarding the components of physical and mental health, as well as the concentration of vitamin D in women aged 65–74 years.

Effects of an unsupervised Nordic walking intervention on cognitive and physical function among older women engaging in volunteer activity

Background

Nordic walking (NW) has been reported as a safe and effective exercise mode. However, the effects of NW on cognitive function are unknown. This study examined the effects of an unsupervised NW intervention on cognitive and physical function among older women engaging in volunteering.

Methods

Forty-seven women aged ≥70 years were enrolled and assigned into three groups (NW (n = 16); walking (n = 19); control group (n = 12)) based on residential areas. Participants in NW and walking groups received a pedometer and recorded daily step counts. The NW group received poles and 2 h of NW instruction. Participants were encouraged to perform the exercise individually more than once a week during the 3-month intervention. As baseline and follow-up assessments, cognitive function (Montreal Cognitive Assessment [MoCA-J] and Trail Making Test), physical function (handgrip strength, walking speed, balance ability, the Timed Up and Go test, and functional capacity), and objective physical activity were evaluated.

Results

In the NW group, physical activity, maximal walking speed, and MoCA-J scores were improved during the intervention period. In the walking group, physical activity was increased after the intervention. Analysis of covariance showed that maximal walking speed among the NW group significantly improved compared with the walking group. Sub-group analysis of participants who exercised more than once a week showed that handgrip strength, gait speed, and MoCA-J scores were significantly improved in the NW compared with the walking group.

Conclusion

NW intervention improved cognitive and physical function compared with simple walking among older women.

Are Trekking Poles Helping or Hindering Your Hiking Experience? A Review

Hiking is a common recreational activity that provides numerous health benefits, such as reduced risk of heart disease, reduced blood pressure, and improved cardiorespiratory fitness. The use of specifically designed trekking poles has become popular among participants seeking to alleviate sore knees and increase balance and stability while walking. This review provides an overview of physiologic and biomechanical responses elicited when trekking poles are used during outdoor activities, such as hiking or Nordic walking, and discusses the clinical implications of the use of trekking poles. Google Scholar, PubMed, and ScienceDirect databases, as well as university library catalogues, were searched for literature published between 1980 and 2019. The keywords used to search the literature were hiking poles, trekking poles, and Nordic walking and their combination with physiological responses, ground reaction forces, joint forces, spatiotemporal parameters, kinematics, electromyography, and/or balance. The related topics included the academic disciplines of biomechanics, sports science, and wilderness medicine. Reference lists of located studies were also reviewed for additional sources. During free, unloaded walking, users should compare the cost and benefit of using poles: Trekking poles decrease lower extremity loading and forces but increase cardiovascular demand. When carrying a large external load, trekking poles may offer benefit by decreasing lower extremity muscle activity and increasing balance and stability.

Effect of a training program of overground walking on BTS gait parameters in elderly women during single and dual cognitive tasks

We tested the hypothesis that a regular training program might reduce gait disturbances during dual cognitive-motor tasks in elderly women. This open-label experimental study comprised 53 postmenopausal women aged over 65, who were assigned to a 10-week training program (360 min/week). A BTS SMART system examination during free walking and during dual tasks [i.e., walking while performing either a simple (SCT) or a complex (CCT) cognitive task] was performed prior to the training program and again after it had finished. After the 10-week walking training program, a significant decrease was found in the duration of single support phase, double support phase, total support phase, and gait cycle, whereas values for such BTS parameters as swing speed, step length, and gait speed increased significantly. The greatest percentage deltas between the final and initial values of the respective BTS parameters concerned swing speed and gait speed irrespective of the kind of task undertaken while measurements were taken. A cognitive task, irrespective of the level of difficulty, performed during walking had the opposite effect on step width than expected. A 10-week training program significantly improved the cadency and manner of gait in elderly women, but did not change step width. Therefore, further study is needed to estimate the usefulness of cognitive-motor training programs for significant improvement in gait coordination during dual tasks in elderly women.

Effects of Physical Rehabilitation on Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters and Ground Reaction Forces of Patients with Intermittent Claudication

Chronic ischemia of the lower extremities often presents as intermittent claudication characterized by lower limb pain which subsides after a short break. This study aimed to provide an assessment of the spatiotemporal parameters of gait and ground reaction forces in patients with PAD participating in three forms of supervised physical training. A total of 80 subjects completed a three-month supervised physical rehabilitation program with three sessions per week. The subjects were assigned to one of three programs: group 1—standard walking training on a treadmill (TT); group 2—Nordic walking (NW) training; group 3—strength and endurance training comprised of NW with isokinetic resistance training (NW + ISO). Gait biomechanics tests (kinematic and kinetic parameters of gait) and a six-minute walk test were carried out before and after three months of physical training. Nordic walking training led to the greatest improvements in the gait pattern of patients with PAD and a significant increase in the absolute claudication distance and total gait distance. Combined training (NW + ISO) by strengthening the muscles of the lower extremities increased the amplitude of the general center of gravity oscillation to the greatest extent. Treadmill training had little effect on the gait pattern. Nordic walking training should be included in the rehabilitation of patients with PAD as a form of gait training, which can be conducted under supervised or unsupervised conditions.

Nordic walking influence on biomechanical parameters: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Nordic walking (NW) as a form of physical activity has been shown to have benefits in various domains, but little is known about the effect of NW on more specific biomechanical parameters. The purpose is to determine the impact of NW on the following parameters: walking speed/distance, muscle activation, spatiotemporal parameters, kinematics and ground reaction force.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A literature search was carried out in different databases from October 2008 to October 2018. This review was conducted and reported in accordance with the PRISMA statement. Finally, 42 studies with a median PEDro Score of 5.5/10 were included.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

The included studies reported increased walking distance (+14.8%, P<0.05), walking speed (+25.5%, P<0.05), and stride length (+10.4%, P<0.05), but decreased cadence (-6.2%, P<0.05). NW generally increased: muscle activation and strength for upper limbs; upper and lower limb range of motion, and ground reaction force.

CONCLUSIONS

NW has beneficial effects on many biomechanical parameters. It appears to be an effective way of doing physical activity and could be used in physical rehabilitation or in daily life.

The effects of exercise and diet program in overweight people - Nordic walking versus walking

Purpose

Nordic walking (NW) has been recommended as a form of exercise for clinical populations. Despite intervention programs designed to face a clinical status may last several months, no longitudinal studies have compared the effect of NW to another usual form of exercise, like walking (W). We evaluated the effects of diet combined with a long-supervised NW versus W training on body composition, aerobic capacity and strength in overweight adults.

Patients and methods

Thirty-eight participants, randomized into a NW (n=19, 66±7 years, body mass index (BMI) 33±5)) and a W (n=19, 66±8 years, BMI 32±5) group, followed a diet and a supervised training routine 3 times/week for 6 months. The variables assessed at baseline, after 3 and 6 months were: anthropometric indexes (ie, BMI and waist circumference (WC)), body composition, aerobic capacity (oxygen consumption (VO_2peak), peak power output (PPO), 6-min walking test (6MWT)) and strength (maximal voluntary contraction of biceps brachialis (MVC_BB) and quadriceps femoris (MVC_QF), chair stand and arm curl (AC)).

Results

After 6 months both NW and W group decreased significantly BMI (6% and 4%, respectively) and WC (8% and 4%, respectively), but only the NW group reduced (P<0.05) total body fat (8%), android fat (14%) and leg fat (9%). After 6 months, PPO increased (P<0.05) in both groups, but VO_2peak improved (P<0.05) only in the NW group (8%). After 6 months, 6MWT increased (P<0.001) in both groups and only the NW group improved (P<0.05) in MVC_BB (14%), MVC_QF (17%) and AC (35%).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that NW can give in some relevant health parameters, greater and faster benefits than W. Thus, NW can be a primary tool to counteract the obesity and overweight state in middle-aged adults.

Benefits of a Pole Walking Program Offered by Community Organizations on Physical Fitness, Psychological Well-Being, and Cognitive Function Among Older Adults

The authors examined the effects of a 12-week pole walking program on function and well-being in 123 older adults aged 60 years and older, recruited by community organizations. The results showed a significant improvement in the participants' upper and lower limb strength in the experimental groups compared with those in the control groups (p < .05) and a significant deterioration in the walking speed and grip strength in women in the control groups compared with those in the experimental groups (p < .05). Although not statistically significant, the results also showed a trend toward greater improvement in global cognitive function in the participants in the experimental groups (p = .076). These results suggest that a pole walking program provided in natural conditions can improve physical capabilities in older adults. Other studies are warranted to further explore the impact of pole walking programs on older adults offered in such conditions, especially their impact on cognitive functions.

MoRe-T2 (mobility research trajectory tracker): validation and application

It is important to assess the suitability of mobility aids before prescribing them to patients. This assessment is often subjectively completed by a therapist and it often includes a variety of basic practical tests. An objective assessment of a patient's capability, which captures not only speed of task completion and success, but also accuracy and risk of manoeuvres, would be both a fairer and safer approach. Yet until now such an assessment would have been cost-prohibitive, especially in low resource settings. We pave the way towards this end goal, by describing, validating and demonstrating a low-cost computer vision based system called MoRe-T2 (mobility research trajectory tracker). The open-source MoRe-T2 system uses low-cost off-the-shelf webcams to track the pose of fiducial markers, which are simply printed onto regular office paper. In this article, we build upon previous work and benchmark the accuracy of MoRe-T2 against an industry standard motion capture system. In particular, we show that MoRe-T2 achieves accuracy comparable to CODA motion tracking system. We go on to demonstrate a use case of MoRe-T2 in assessing wheelchair manoeuvrability over a relatively large area. The results show that MoRe-T2 is scalable at a much lower cost than typical industry-standard motion trackers. Therefore, MoRe-T2 can be used to develop more objective and reliable assessments of mobility aids, especially in low-resource settings.

Effects of Nordic walking on pelvis motion and muscle activities around the hip joints of adults with hip osteoarthritis

[Purpose] Increased compensatory pelvic movement is remarkable in limping patients with hip osteoarthritis (OA). However, a method of improving limping has not been established. The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of two types of Nordic walking by analyzing the pelvic movement and muscle activities of adults with hip OA. [Subjects and Methods] Ten patients with OA of the hip performed Japanese-style Nordic walking (JS NW), European-style Nordic walking (ES NW), and Ordinary walking (OW), and the muscle activities around the hip joint and pelvic movements were analyzed. [Results] The pelvic rotation angle was significantly larger in ES NW than in JS NW. In the stance phase, hip abductor muscle activity was significantly decreased in JS NW compared to both OW and ES NW. In the swing phase, rectus abdominis muscle activity was significantly increased in both JS NW and ES NW compared to OW and lumbar erector spinae activity was significantly lower in JS NW than in OW. [Conclusion] JS NW style may reduce the compensatory pelvic rotation in patients with hip OA. JS NW might be better for joint protection and prevention of secondary disorders of the hip in OA patients.