The research covered
67 women with fibromyalgia and recorded the results of a 6-minute walk test,
the responses on a Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire Pain scale (FIQ Pain),
heart rate on an exercise bike, and a physical to identify exercise
limitations.
Results they found:
- Significant improvement in the 6-minute walk.
- No change in pain levels based on responses to FIQ Pain.
- Decrease in exercise heart rate.
- Significantly improved exercise capacity based on the physical.
What they concluded:
"Moderate-to-high intensity aerobic exercise by means of Nordic walking
twice a week for 15 weeks was found to be a feasible mode of exercise,
resulting in improved functional capacity and a decreased level of activity
limitations. Pain severity did not change over time during the exercise
period."
My opinion: Nordic
walking sends health numbers in a positive direction. A follow up research
effort might look at how walking groups might affect the pain factor. Maybe the
social aspect of walking groups might reduce the perception of pain because the
walkers' attention is redirected. On a daily basis, social interaction can help
people deal with adverse situations.
One disturbing item
in the research that reinforces Nordic Walking Guy's Second Rule, Be
consistent: In a follow up six months later, the researchers found,
"Aerobic capacity no longer indicated a significant improvement. These
results show that it is difficult for patients with FM to continue exercising
at a moderate-to-high intensity level without supervision." In other
words, the participants needed motivation. Perhaps being part of walking groups
can be motivating factors.
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