Nordic walking and autoimmune conditions


Sjögren’s Syndrome is an autoimmune disorder similar to lupus. People with lupus have a chance of having Sjögren’s Syndrome as an additional disorder.

In the study, 21 women with Sjögren’s Syndrome undertook Nordic walking for 45 minutes three times a week for 12 weeks. The researchers looked at these factors:
  • Aerobic capacity
  • Fatigue
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Health-related quality of life

Findings:
  • The women's aerobic capacity improved, and they had reduced fatigue.
  • They also experienced significant improvements in reducing depression.
  • However, there were no significant changes in anxiety scores and perceptions of health-related quality of life.

In general, the researchers considered the exercise to be useful in managing the chronic condition.