Research on the effects of Nordic walking on Parkinson’s patients

Compared with flexibility/relaxation programs and walking programs, Nordic walking programs had some positive outcomes for Parkinson’s patients.
Points made:

• “Assessment after completion of the training showed that pain was reduced in all groups, and balance and health-related quality of life were improved.”
• “…walking, and Nordic walking improved stride length, gait variability, maximal walking speed, exercise capacity at submaximal level, and PD disease-specific disability on the UPDRS [Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale]"…”
• “Nordic walking was superior to the flexibility and relaxation programme and walking in improving postural stability, stride length, gait pattern and gait variability.”

To me, the most important outcome was “All patients of the Nordic walking group continued Nordic walking after completing the study.”