Nordic Walking is a more effective exercise tool for weight loss than normal walking, research from the University of Verona shows. Published in the Clinical Interventions in Aging journal, this study demonstrates the effectiveness of Nordic Walking in controlling obesity and overweight in middle-aged adults.
The results suggest that Nordic Walking gives greater and quicker benefits in some relevant health parameters meaning that the activity can be considered as a primary tool to counteract obesity and overweight state in this group of people.
The study
The study involved 38 participants, split randomly into a Nordic Walking group and a Walking group. Each followed a diet and a supervised training routine three times a week for six months. The researchers assessed a number of variables and three and six months:
- Body Mass Index (BMI)
- Waist circumference
- Body composition
- Aerobic capacity
- Peak power output
- Six-minute walking test
- Strength
- Chair stand and arm curl
Key findings
The key findings after six months include:
- BMI for both the Nordic Walking and Walking groups decreased significantly (6% and 4%, respectively).
- Waist circumference for both the Nordic Walking and Walking groups decreased significantly (8% and 4%, respectively).
- Only the Nordic Walking group reduced total body fat (8%), fat around the trunk and upper body (14%) and leg fat (9%).
- Peak power output increased in both groups, but aerobic capacity improved only in the Nordic Walking group (8%).
- The six-minute walking test increased in both groups.
- Only the Nordic Walking group improved in strength:
- Biceps brachialis (14%),
- Quadriceps femoris (17%) and
- Arm curl (35%).
In summary, the study demonstrates that Nordic Walking can serve as a primary tool to curb obesity and overweight state in middle-aged adults. Good news all round!