Nordic walking, weight, and diabetes
Are you interested
in how Nordic walking can help your cardiovascular health? A research article provided
some insight. The participants were overweight and had Type 2 diabetes or
had problems with glucose tolerance. Note: the link is to an abstract that's
publicly available. I'm able to access the full article through my university
library account.
What they found:
- Body mass index (BMI) in a group with normal glucose tolerance had a greater reduction from Nordic walking. However, BMI didn't change significantly in a group with impaired glucose tolerance or Type 2 diabetes.
- Those with normal glucose tolerance and those with impaired glucose tolerance or Type 2 diabetes reported increased activity levels.
- Participants with impaired glucose tolerance or Type 2 diabetes who Nordic walked reported significant improvements in quality of sleep and general health.
What were some of
the researchers'' conclusions?
- Quality of sleep is related to overall wellness. "Nordic walking and other modes of exercise may provide a less costly and safer alternative to medication as a means of alleviating some sleep disorders."
- Type 2 diabetes can lead to perceptions to pain, but participants did not report problems with Nordic walking. "Nordic walking may thus be a safe mode of introductory exercise, even for individuals with Type 2 diabetes."
