Do you want to optimize your exercise time as your work through arthritis challenges? A linked research article suggested that Nordic walking was more effective than strength training and home-based exercise for improving joint function.
Main point: “NW [Nordic walking] was the best training modality for improving functional performance, vigorous physical activity, and mental health in both short and long term.”
More about it:
- “…NW [Nordic walking] was superior to ST [strength training] and home-based exercise (HBE) for improving functional performance and mental health in persons with hip OA [osteoarthritis] both in the short and long term.”
- “…NW [Nordic walking] was superior to HBE [home-based exercise] for improving vigorous physical activity even in the long run.”
- “…several dimensions of health-related quality of life improved significantly more in the NW [Nordic walking] group and the ST [strength training] group compared with the HBE [home-based exercise] group in the short term, but in the long run, these improvements were only maintained in the NW [Nordic walking] group.”
- “…improvements in WOMAC [Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index used for self-reporting pain levels] was significantly greater in the NW [Nordic walking] group compared with the HBE [home-based exercise] group.”
- “…hip range of motion (ROM) and stride length are significantly increased during NW compared with normal walking.”
Think about it:
- “…Higher leisure-time, physical activity, and specially walking may have a protective effect against hip replacement surgery.”
- It could also “decrease the risk of death, particularly cardiovascular mortality, which increases with the severity of walking disability.”