Nordic Walking for breast cancer survivors
I came across the abstracts
from the International Nordic Walking Federation's annual conference. Here
is some information from one of the presentations. This one was by Andrea Di
Blasio, Ph.D., M.Sc., B.Sc. Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences and
"G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Italy INWA Instructor and
Cristina Castro Gonzales, BSc(Hons) Sport, Health & Exercise Science and
BSc(Hons) Radiotherapy & Oncology ,INWA National Trainer, Bilbao, Spain.
The study sought to
determine the usefulness of Nordic walking for breast cancer survivors to
facilitate recovery and future health. Results of the study yielded
comprehensive benefits in
correcting faulty
posture, balancing muscle chain lengths, enhancing elasticity and strength,
improving general physical fitness, reducing mental distress, and activating
the immune system.
Participants were
also able to increase their range of motion, increase total body muscle
endurance, and improve cardio-metabolic was well as postural and balance
measures.
The researchers saw
Nordic walking as useful against lymphedema (swelling in the arms and legs due
to the effects of cancer treatment of the lymph nodes).
