Nordic walkers take it outside

This is a reason why I started Nordic walking regularly.

Nordic walking and fibromyalgia



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.

Elsewhere on the website and online

From <https://nordicwalkingguy.blogspot.com/>



Walking with purpose

This video is titled "How to walk correctly and fix your back pain." This is the physical picture of walking with purpose, which is walking correctly.

The explanation focuses on the act of walking, but even when you are using Nordic walking poles, the mechanics are the same. The gloves on Nordic walking poles allow for a natural arm swing and shoulder movement.

 
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