Investigation of the effectiveness of 'nordic walking' training on geriatric individuals: A randomized comparative study

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effects of Nordic Walking training on muscle strength and endurance, balance, fear of falling, aerobic capacity, fatigue, quality of life and activity level in geriatric individuals. Materials and Methods: 32 sedentary individuals between the ages of 65-80 participated in the study. Nordic Walking (NW) and Traditional Walking (GY) groups were created by systematic randomization method. In line with the intended research parameters, participants were given 30 sec sit-to-stand (30secCST), 30 sec biceps curl (30 sec ACT), timed up and go (TUG) 6 min walk (6MWT), Berg Balance Balance (BBS), one-leg standing (SLS). , Tinetti Fall Effectiveness (Tinetti FES), Edmonton Frailty Scale (EFS), Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale (TSK), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), World Health Organization Quality of Life Elderly Module (WHOQOL-Old), Activity Level for the Elderly (PASE) test and surveys were administered. Additionally, pain conditions were questioned with the Vasiual Pain Scale (VAS). Evaluations were repeated before and after the study. The study was conducted under the supervision of a physiotherapist, 3 days a week for 12 weeks in both groups. Results: The average age of the participants in the NW and GY groups is 70.64 ± 5.39, 72.50 ± 5.96 years, respectively (p>0.05). While 30secCST, BBS, 6MWT, Tinetti FES, TSK, PASE and WHOQOL-Old first test post test measurements reported statistically significant improvement in both groups, the improvement was higher in the NW group (p<0.05). There is a statistically significant decrease in EFS, FSS and TUG results, but there is no superiority between the groups. In the SLS test, significant results were obtained in the right foot, but there was no difference between the groups, and in the left foot, statistical improvement was determined only in the NW group. 30secACT increased significantly only in the NW group. There was no significant change in VAS values in both groups (p> 0.05). Conclusion: NW training was superior to traditional walking in improving parameters such as balance, fear of falling, endurance, aerobic capacity and physical activity in geriatric individuals. NW training is an effective method for geriatric rehabilitation programs. Keywords: Geriatrics; Nordic Walking; Physical Activity; Quality of Life