A study published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology found that Nordic walking led to greater improvements in functional capacity for people with coronary artery disease compared to other forms of exercise. The research followed 130 participants over a 12-week period to compare the effects of Nordic walking, high-intensity interval training, and moderate-to-vigorous intensity training. Functional capacity, which measures a person’s ability to perform physical activities, was evaluated by how far participants could walk in six minutes.
Nordic walking is a physical activity that involves using poles similar to ski poles to engage both upper and lower body muscles. According to the International Nordic Walking Federation, the technique originated in the mid-1900s as an off-season training method for skiers. Unlike standard walking, the use of poles requires upper body strength for stabilization and movement, which researchers noted can increase heart rate and cardiovascular engagement.
In the study, participants were randomly assigned to one of three exercise programs. Researchers measured progress at the beginning, middle, and end of the 12-week programs, followed by a 14-week observation period. Data was collected through physical testing, heart disease-specific questionnaires, and the Beck Depression Inventory-II, a tool used to assess depression levels following heart attacks. While all three exercise groups showed improved health outcomes, the Nordic walking group recorded the most significant increase in functional capacity from their initial baseline.
The scale of this activity is accessible to those who can meet the American Heart Association (AHA) recommendations of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of high-intensity aerobic exercise per week. Dr. Chip Lavie, who authored an editorial accompanying the study, stated that adding Nordic poles to a walking routine is a simple way to increase energy expenditure and improve posture, gait, and balance. For a person with coronary artery disease, this change would be noticed in their physical stamina during a six-minute walking test and in their ability to perform routine activities that require physical effort.
The broader implications suggest that Nordic walking provides an alternative to traditional cardiac rehabilitation exercises like high-intensity interval training. Because the activity can be performed on various terrains, from paved neighborhoods to hilly trails, it offers a flexible option for patients to meet AHA guidelines. However, the study emphasizes that individuals with heart problems should consult a physician before beginning the program. While the results showed favorable outcomes after 12 weeks of training and 14 weeks of observation, the text does not report specific dates for future large-scale trials or changes to official clinical guidelines.