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Szpala A, Winiarski S, Kołodziej M, Jasiński R, Lejczak A, Kałka D, Lorek K, Bałchanowski J, Wudarczyk S, Woźniewski M, Pietraszewski B. Effects of nordic walking training on gait and exercise tolerance in male ischemic heart disease patients. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11249. [PMID: 38755348 PMCID: PMC11099289 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62109-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
This technique-focused observational study explores the impact of a 6-week Nordic Walking (NW) program on physiological and biomechanical aspects in ischemic heart disease (IHD) patients. Twelve male IHD patients (66.2 ± 5.2 years, 12.2 ± 7.5 years of disease duration) were evaluated pre- and post-training for (i) gait parameters, (ii) exercise tolerance using electrocardiographic (ECG) stress test, (iii) a 6-min walk test (6MWT). The NW training, adhering to IHD patient guidelines, involved a 100-m walk at a self-selected, preferred speed without sticks, with classic NW sticks and mechatronic sticks. A mechatronic measuring system, specifically engineered for measuring, diagnosing and monitoring the patient's gait, was integrated into mechatronic sticks. Post-training, significant enhancements were observed in ECG stress test duration, metabolic equivalency, and 6MWT distance, irrespective of the stick type. However, no significant changes were noted in spatiotemporal parameters concerning the measured side, stick utilisation, or type. The results suggest that NW training boosts exercise capacity and refines gait mechanics in male IHD patients. However, the improvement in exercise capacity was not linked to changes in gait mechanics from NW training but rather to the movement during NW gait. Hence, the key to enhancing exercise capacity in IHD patients is the movement during NW gait, not the quality of gait mechanics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Szpala
- Department of Biomechanics, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, Mickiewicza 58 Street, 51-684, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Sławomir Winiarski
- Department of Biomechanics, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, Mickiewicza 58 Street, 51-684, Wrocław, Poland.
| | - Małgorzata Kołodziej
- Department of Biomechanics, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, Mickiewicza 58 Street, 51-684, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Ryszard Jasiński
- Department of Human Biology, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, Paderewskiego 35 Avenue, 51-612, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Andrzej Lejczak
- Department of Physiotherapy in Surgical Medicine and Oncology, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, Paderewskiego 35 Avenue, 51-612, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Dariusz Kałka
- Department of Physiotherapy in Internal Diseases, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, Paderewskiego 35 Avenue, 51-612, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Karolina Lorek
- Department of Kinesiology, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, Paderewskiego 35 Avenue, 51-612, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Jacek Bałchanowski
- Department of Fundamentals of Machine Design and Mechatronics Systems, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Łukasiewicza 7/9 Street, 50-371, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Sławomir Wudarczyk
- Department of Fundamentals of Machine Design and Mechatronics Systems, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Łukasiewicza 7/9 Street, 50-371, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Marek Woźniewski
- Department of Physiotherapy in Surgical Medicine and Oncology, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, Paderewskiego 35 Avenue, 51-612, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Bogdan Pietraszewski
- Department of Biomechanics, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, Mickiewicza 58 Street, 51-684, Wrocław, Poland
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Morano T, Lancia F, Di Marco A, Viscioni G, Bucci I, Grossi S, Pellegrino R, Cugusi L, Grassadonia A, Manca A, Bullo V, Di Giminiani R, Izzicupo P, Di Baldassarre A, Fusco A, Cortis C, Napolitano G, Di Blasio A. Flexibility and Strength Effects of Adapted Nordic Walking and Myofascial Exercises Practice in Breast Cancer Survivors and Analysis of Differences. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:222. [PMID: 38255109 PMCID: PMC10815343 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12020222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer treatments can elicit negative kinesiological side effects concerning both the posture and functional status of breast cancer survivors. As our body is functionally organized in myofascial meridians, physical exercise practice should favor a whole-body approach rather than a local one. The aim of the study was to investigate and compare the effects of two whole-body disciplines, i.e., adapted Nordic Walking and myofascial exercise, on the flexibility and strength performances in BCS. One hundred and sixty breast cancer survivors were trained three times per week for 12 weeks through adapted Nordic Walking or myofascial exercise. Handgrip, sit and reach, back scratch, and single leg back bridge tests and body composition were assessed at the beginning and completion of the training period. Linear mixed models showed no significant changes in body composition, whereas flexibility (p < 0.001), strength (p < 0.001), and muscle quality index (p = 0.003) changed independently from the treatment. When data modification has been analyzed according to sub-sample membership, no significant differences have been observed. Age, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy seem to have independent effects on several investigated variables. Twelve weeks of adapted myofascial exercise and Nordic Walking led to significant changes in flexibility, strength, and muscle quality in breast cancer survivors, with no apparent superiority of one approach over the other.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Morano
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Via Polacchi L. 11, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (T.M.); (F.L.); (A.D.M.); (I.B.); (P.I.); (A.D.B.); (G.N.)
| | - Federica Lancia
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Via Polacchi L. 11, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (T.M.); (F.L.); (A.D.M.); (I.B.); (P.I.); (A.D.B.); (G.N.)
| | - Alessandra Di Marco
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Via Polacchi L. 11, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (T.M.); (F.L.); (A.D.M.); (I.B.); (P.I.); (A.D.B.); (G.N.)
| | - Gianluca Viscioni
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Piazzale Scuro L.A. 10, 37124 Verona, Italy;
| | - Ines Bucci
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Via Polacchi L. 11, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (T.M.); (F.L.); (A.D.M.); (I.B.); (P.I.); (A.D.B.); (G.N.)
| | - Simona Grossi
- Eusoma Breast Center, “G. Bernabeo” Hospital, ASL02 Lanciano-Vasto-Chieti, c.da S. Liberata, 66026 Ortona, Italy;
| | - Raffaello Pellegrino
- Department of Scientific Research, Campus Ludes, Off-Campus Semmelweis University, 6912 Lugano, Switzerland;
| | - Lucia Cugusi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/B, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (L.C.); (A.M.)
| | - Antonino Grassadonia
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Andrea Manca
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/B, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (L.C.); (A.M.)
| | - Valentina Bullo
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy;
| | - Riccardo Di Giminiani
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy;
| | - Pascal Izzicupo
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Via Polacchi L. 11, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (T.M.); (F.L.); (A.D.M.); (I.B.); (P.I.); (A.D.B.); (G.N.)
| | - Angela Di Baldassarre
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Via Polacchi L. 11, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (T.M.); (F.L.); (A.D.M.); (I.B.); (P.I.); (A.D.B.); (G.N.)
| | - Andrea Fusco
- Department of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino and Lazio Meridionale, Via S. Angelo, 03043 Cassino, Italy; (A.F.); (C.C.)
| | - Cristina Cortis
- Department of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino and Lazio Meridionale, Via S. Angelo, 03043 Cassino, Italy; (A.F.); (C.C.)
| | - Giorgio Napolitano
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Via Polacchi L. 11, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (T.M.); (F.L.); (A.D.M.); (I.B.); (P.I.); (A.D.B.); (G.N.)
| | - Andrea Di Blasio
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Via Polacchi L. 11, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (T.M.); (F.L.); (A.D.M.); (I.B.); (P.I.); (A.D.B.); (G.N.)
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Szpala A, Winiarski S, Kołodziej M, Pietraszewski B, Jasiński R, Niebudek T, Lejczak A, Kałka D, Lorek K, Bałchanowski K, Wudarczyk S, Woźniewski M. Do Mechatronic Poles Change the Gait Technique of Nordic Walking in Patients with Ischemic Heart Disease? Appl Bionics Biomech 2023; 2023:1135733. [PMID: 37304836 PMCID: PMC10250095 DOI: 10.1155/2023/1135733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Szpala
- Department of Biomechanics, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, Mickiewicza 58 Street, Wrocław 51-684, Poland
| | - Sławomir Winiarski
- Department of Biomechanics, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, Mickiewicza 58 Street, Wrocław 51-684, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Kołodziej
- Department of Biomechanics, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, Mickiewicza 58 Street, Wrocław 51-684, Poland
| | - Bogdan Pietraszewski
- Department of Biomechanics, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, Mickiewicza 58 Street, Wrocław 51-684, Poland
| | - Ryszard Jasiński
- Department of Human Biology, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, Paderewskiego 35 Avenue, Wrocław 51-612, Poland
| | - Tadeusz Niebudek
- Department of Physical Culture Pedagogy, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, Paderewskiego 35 Avenue, Wrocław 51-612, Poland
| | - Andrzej Lejczak
- Department of Physiotherapy in Surgical Medicine and Oncology, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, Paderewskiego 35 Avenue, Wrocław 51-612, Poland
| | - Dariusz Kałka
- Department of Physiotherapy in Internal Diseases, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, Paderewskiego 35 Avenue, Wrocław 51-612, Poland
| | - Karolina Lorek
- Department of Kinesiology, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, Paderewskiego 35 Avenue, Wrocław 51-612, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Bałchanowski
- Department of Fundamentals of Machine Design and Mechatronics Systems, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Łukasiewicza 7/9 Street, Wrocław 50-371, Poland
| | - Sławomir Wudarczyk
- Department of Fundamentals of Machine Design and Mechatronics Systems, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Łukasiewicza 7/9 Street, Wrocław 50-371, Poland
| | - Marek Woźniewski
- Department of Physiotherapy in Surgical Medicine and Oncology, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, Paderewskiego 35 Avenue, Wrocław 51-612, Poland
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Russo L, Belli G, Di Blasio A, Lupu E, Larion A, Fischetti F, Montagnani E, Di Biase Arrivabene P, De Angelis M. The Impact of Nordic Walking Pole Length on Gait Kinematic Parameters. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol 2023; 8:jfmk8020050. [PMID: 37218846 DOI: 10.3390/jfmk8020050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Russo
- Department of Human Sciences, Università Telematica degli Studi IUL, 50122 Florence, Italy
| | - Guido Belli
- Department of Sciences for Life Quality Studies, University of Bologna, 47921 Rimini, Italy
| | - Andrea Di Blasio
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Elena Lupu
- Department of Motor Activities, Petroleum Gas University Ploiesti, 100600 Ploiesti, Romania
| | - Alin Larion
- Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Ovidius University of Constanta, 900029 Constanta, Romania
| | - Francesco Fischetti
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Study of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Eleonora Montagnani
- Department of Sports and Health Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton BN2 4AT, UK
| | | | - Marco De Angelis
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
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Szpala A, Winiarski S, Kołodziej M, Pietraszewski B, Jasiński R, Niebudek T, Lejczak A, Lorek K, Bałchanowski J, Wudarczyk S, Woźniewski M. No Influence of Mechatronic Poles on the Movement Pattern of Professional Nordic Walkers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 20:ijerph20010163. [PMID: 36612484 PMCID: PMC9819459 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Szpala
- Department of Biomechanics, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, Mickiewicza 58 Street, 51-684 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Sławomir Winiarski
- Department of Biomechanics, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, Mickiewicza 58 Street, 51-684 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Kołodziej
- Department of Biomechanics, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, Mickiewicza 58 Street, 51-684 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Bogdan Pietraszewski
- Department of Biomechanics, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, Mickiewicza 58 Street, 51-684 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Ryszard Jasiński
- Department of Human Biology, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, Paderewskiego 35 Avenue, 51-612 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Tadeusz Niebudek
- Department of Physical Culture Pedagogy, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, Paderewskiego 35 Avenue, 51-612 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Andrzej Lejczak
- Department of Physiotherapy in Surgical Medicine and Oncology, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, Paderewskiego 35 Avenue, 51-612 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Karolina Lorek
- Department of Kinesiology, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, Paderewskiego 35 Avenue, 51-612 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Jacek Bałchanowski
- Department of Fundamentals of Machine Design and Mechatronics Systems, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Łukasiewicza 7/9 Street, 50-371 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Sławomir Wudarczyk
- Department of Fundamentals of Machine Design and Mechatronics Systems, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Łukasiewicza 7/9 Street, 50-371 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Marek Woźniewski
- Department of Physiotherapy in Surgical Medicine and Oncology, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, Paderewskiego 35 Avenue, 51-612 Wrocław, Poland
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Selected Spatiotemporal and Joint Angle Parameters in Normal Gait and Nordic Walking with Classical and Mechatronic Poles in Aspects of Sex Differences. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:7905120. [PMID: 36560964 PMCID: PMC9767722 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7905120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Nordic walking with an integrated resistance shock absorber affects the femur strength and muscles torques in postmenopausal women. Sci Rep 2022; 12:20089. [PMID: 36418455 PMCID: PMC9684118 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-24131-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
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Nordic Walking Rather Than High Intensity Interval Training Reduced Myostatin Concentration More Effectively in Elderly Subjects and the Range of This Drop Was Modified by Metabolites of Vitamin D. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13124393. [PMID: 34959945 PMCID: PMC8705296 DOI: 10.3390/nu13124393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent self-isolation exacerbated the problem of insufficient amounts of physical activity and its consequences. At the same time, this revealed the advantage of vitamin D. Thus, there was a need to verify the effects of those forms of training that can be performed independently. In this study, we examined the effects of Nordic walking (NW) and high intensity interval training (HIIT) with regard to the impact of the metabolite vitamin D. We assigned 32 overweight adults (age = 61 ± 12 years) to one of two training groups: NW = 18 and HIIT = 14. Body composition assessment and blood sample collection were conducted before starting the training programs and a day after their completion. NW training induced a significant decrease in myostatin (p = 0.05) concentration; however, the range was dependent on the baseline concentrations of vitamin D metabolites. This drop was accompanied by a significant negative correlation with the decorin concentration. Unexpectedly, NW caused a decrement in both forms of osteocalcin: undercarboxylated (Glu-OC) and carboxylated-type (Gla-OC). The scope of Glu-OC changes was dependent on a baseline concentration of 25(OH)D2 (r = −0.60, p = 0.01). In contrast, the HIIT protocol did not induce any changes. Overall results revealed that NW diminished the myostatin concentration and that this effect is more pronounced among adults with a sufficient concentration of vitamin D metabolites.
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