Zugl.: Konstanz, Univ., Diss., 2007

Background: Gait impairments and postural deficits are very common in people with Parkinson Disease (PD), and also highly associated with fall risk and functional decline. Some evidence showed that in older adults, Nordic Walking (NW) could slow the progression of some gait impairments and increasing stride length and gait speed. Moreover, previous studies suggested that gait disturbances in PD are associated with less automatic gait performances and therefore gait requires more attention, as it is essential for regulation of postural balance. Further, research of this fact has very minimally been examined in PD population. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate whether Nordic walking can improve gait pattern in individual with PD after a 6-week training program, as well as determine the effect of performing a cognitive task while walking with and without the poles on gait characteristics. Methods: Gait spatial temporal and kinetics data was collected with and without poles in 12 adults with PD (age: 61.58±11.7 years; 9 male, 3 female; Hoehn and Yahr scale 1-3 stage; UPDRS III average: 11; the year of diagnosis: 6.72 years). Participants performed six 5m walking trials; 3 with poles and 3 without after 6-week training. Participants also performed four 90 seconds walking trials on a 25m pathway in four different conditions: NP (no poles) and no cognitive task, NW (Nordic walking) and no cognitive task, NP and a cognitive task, NW and a cognitive task. For this latter part of the experiment, gait characteristics and trunk kinematics were quantified by using a 6 inertial sensor accelerometry system (APDM, Oregon, USA). As for the 5m tasks, gait spatial temporal and kinetics were collected with an eight cameras 3-dimensional motion capture system (Vicon, Oxford, UK) and 2 force platforms (Kistler, Winterthur, Switzerland). All variables were assessed using paired t-test to compare NW to conventional walking and two-way ANOVA to compare cognitive and pole conditions. Results: When comparing NW to NP, the results showed significantly longer stride length, and larger single support time. The data also showed larger knee power generation during mid-stance as well as decreased power absorption at the knee during swing. Moreover, when assessing the effect of performing a cognitive task on gait, gait speed and cadence in both normal walking and Nordic pole walking was significant smaller when performing the cognitive task. The trunk frontal range of motion (ROM) and velocity were smaller compared NW to NP. When adding cognitive tasks, trunk frontal ROM and velocity were significantly smaller. Conclusions: Based on the results, 16 self-directed sessions of NW can help improve certain gait spatial-temporal characteristics as well as some aspect of the gait pattern kinetics, especially at the knee. Moreover it seems that a 16 sessions (45mintues per session) or even longer practice period is necessary for NW beginner, in order to gain perfect technique and restore gait to a more normal pattern than novice.

Univ., Magisterarbeit, 2007--Frankfurt (Main).

Background: Declines in gait velocity, stride length, cadence, and postural stability are common with advancing age and have further been linked to heightened fall risk and functional decline. Physical activity can slow or prevent such gait declines in older adults. In young adults, Nordic walking (NW) training has been shown to increase stride length and gait speed, yet has demonstrated inconsistent findings regarding joint loading, with reports of both increases and decreases in this respect. Further, research of this facet has very minimally been examined as it pertains to older adults. Purpose: The aim of the present study was to determine both the initial effect, and the prolonged effect following an 8-week intervention, of Nordic walking (NW) on older adult gait performance and postural alignment and stability. Methods: Gait and postural alignment and stability during NW and conventional walking were assessed and compared following an 8-week NW program (2x/week) in 12 healthy older adults (age: 68 ± 6.8 years; 8 female, 4 male). Participants performed six 5m walking trials, 3 with poles and 3 without, followed by two 6 Minute Walk Test (6MWT) trials, one with poles (WP) and the other without (NP). Gait characteristics and trunk measures in the sagittal and frontal planes were quantified using a 6 inertial sensor accelerometry system (APDM, Oregon, USA) as well as an eight camera 3-dimensional motion capture system (Vicon, Oxford, UK) with 2 force platforms (Kistler, Winterthur, Switzerland) embedded within. All variables were assessed using two-way repeated measures ANOVAs to compare NW to conventional walking and before and after the intervention. Results: When comparing walking WP to NP at initial pre-testing, significantly longer stride length, slower gait speed, and increased double support time were found to coincide with decreases in power generation and absorption at the hip and knee WP. However, following prolonged practice, a longer stride length, faster gait speed, and increased power generation at pre-swing at the hip and power absorption during loading and terminal swing about the knee were found WP post-intervention. Conclusions: An initial 8-week training period is necessary for novice NW in order to develop technique and to restore gait and postural alignment to more “normal” standards following training. Additionally, since the acquisition of the skill requires proper allocation of attention between two tasks: walking and pole manipulation, NW should be done so in a relatively safe environment, free of distraction and obstacles. Finally, with frail elderly, a longer acquisition period may be necessary since facilitation of movement must first occur.

The thesis aims at finding out, how efficient the Nordic Walking therapy is, when applied to chosen segments of human musculoskeletal system. Also it aims at exploration of the question concerning the utilization of Nordic Walking during musculoskeletal system treatment with a connection to a visceral body sphere. The theoretical part is dedicated to an analysis of the professional terms and concepts closely related to Nordic Walking. Opinions of various Czech and foreign Nordic Walking topic specialists are stated there. In addition, body mass indicators, and the way in which exercise influences the human organism, are also described in the theoretical part of the thesis. The practical part consists of research sample characteristics, definition of utilized methodology and measurement results evaluation. The results are processed in the form of graphs and tables and amended by discussion

In this work on the topic of "The use of nordic walking in children with hearing disability in age 8-15 years" in the first theoretical part I focus on nordic walking, his history, the correct technik influence on the functional systems of the human body. In addition, in this diplom work I focus on hearing loss, his significance and anatomy. A special chapter devoted to hearing disability as such, his etiology, classification and types of hearing loss. Emphasis on the development of children with hearing disability. In the practical part is devoted to the influence of nordic walking fitness program created for children with hearing disabilitou aged 8-15 years. . From the measured values of the health status and value orientation of the tests, I find this an adequate physical activity at the childern´s home in České Budějovice. The results indicate that the intervention motion program had a positive impact on children; benefits are demonstrable in particular improvements of menthal and physical health.

This diploma thesis presents a new form of outdoor activity called Priessnitz Walking, which means a connection of nordic walking, cooling limbs in a cold water and a yoga breathing exercises. A physiological grounds of each of its parts has been explained in the theoretical part of the thesis as well as its benefits for older people. Next to this, the thesis concerns about a physiology of aging and the importance of regular physical activity in later life. Our clinical experiment investigated an effect of PW during six-week training programe in older women attending Cardio Club Motol. A significant change in cardiorespiratory function and a positive subjective evaluation of the participates has been shown. Besides, we have found Priessnitz walking to be a save kind of endurance training for older people. A long-term adherance, which we also focused on, was not confirmed. Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)

Title: Effect of Arm Work Intensity on Energy Expenditure in Nordic Walking. Objectives: The aim of study is to assess energy expenditure of walking, Nordic Walking with low and high intensity of arm work. Methods: We tested 14 men in averge age 24,1 ± 1,8 years, body mass 74,3 ± 6,4 kg and height 179,1 ± 5,4 cm on laboratory treadmill. We used indirect calorimetry for assess energy expenditure influnced by intensity of arm work and different slopes. Descriptive statistics was used for basic evaluation. Analysis of varince with repeated measures (2x3) was used to assess statistical differences. The significance level was set at alfa ≤ 0,05. Results: We observed significant increase in the energy expenditure of Nordic Walking with high intensity in slopes 0 % and 10 % (39,60 ± 3,65 kJ.min-1 ; 58,79 ± 4,63 kJ.min-1 ) of arm work compared with Nordic Walking with low intensity of arm work (33,32 ± 3,64 kJ.min-1 ; 53,52 ± 4,78 kJ.min-1 ) and walking (31,26 ± 2,71 kJ.min-1 ; 52,66 ± 3,81 kJ.min-1 ). Increasing the energy expenditure of Nordic Walking with low intensity of arm work (33,32 ± 3,64 kJ.min-1 ; 53,52 ± 4,78 kJ.min-1 ) compared with walking (31,26 ± 2,71 kJ.min-1 ; 52,66 ± 3,81 kJ.min-1 ) in slopes 0 % and 10% did not reach significant difference. There was a significant increase in all...

Tyrimo objektas: šiaurietiškojo ėjimo poveikis vyresnio amžiaus žmonių fiziniam pajėgumui ir gyvenimo kokybei. Tyrimo problema. Fizinis aktyvumas turi užimti svarbią vietą kiekvieno žmogaus gyvenime. Tai tokia veikla, kuria reikia užsiimti nuolat, be didesnių pertraukų, kitaip nepajusime tikrosios fizinio aktyvumo naudos sveikatai ir gyvenimo kokybei. Reguliarus fizinis aktyvumas dažnai siejamas su gera nuotaika, mažėjančiu stresu ir didėjančiu fiziniu pajėgumu (Rejeski & Mihalko, 2001). Šiaurietiškasis ėjimas – tai vis populiarėjanti fizinio aktyvumo forma tinkanti, bet kokio amžiaus ar sveikatos būklės žmonėms, tiesa dažniau mėgstama senjorų, dėl nedidelio intensyvumo, mažos traumatizmo rizikos, mažų finansinių išlaidų, taip pat tai puiki galimybė būti socialiai aktyviems (INWA). Tyrimai įrodo, jog šiaurietiškasis ėjimas stiprina širdies ir kraujagyslių, kvėpavimo, bei imuninę sistemas, taip pat padeda išvengti lėtinių susirgimų rizikos (Porcari et al., 1997; Church et al., 2002; Breyer et al., 2010). Pasak Tarptautinės Šiaurietiškojo Ėjimo sasociacijos, šiaurietiškojo ėjimo, kaip gana naujos fizinio aktyvumo formos siekiai yra sveikatos palaikymas, sveikatos resursų stiprinimas, prevencija siekiant išvengti ligų ar traumų, bei reabilitacija susigražinant sveikatą. Labai mažas vyresnio amžiaus žmonių fizinis aktyvumas Lietuvoje jau niekam nekelia nuostabos, galbūt jiems tereikia pasiūlyti tinkamą fizinio aktyvumo formą. Užsienio autoriai (Larkin et al., 1992; Rodgers et... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / The object of the study is the influence of Nordic walking on the physical capability and quality of life of elderly people. The relevance of the study: Each person should regard physical activity as one of the top priorities in life. People should engage in physical activity constantly without any longer intervals if they want to experience its true benefits for health and quality of life. Regular engagement in physical activity is often related to good mood, decreasing stress levels and increasing physical capabilities (Rejeski & Mihalko, 2001). Nordic walking is a form of physical activity which is rapidly gaining its popularity and is suitable for people of various ages and health conditions. It is noticeably favored by the elderly due to its light intensity, low risk of injuries, insignificant financial resources involved, and perfect opportunity to be socially active (INWA). The researches carried out on the subject suggest that Nordic walking strengthens the circulatory, respiratory and immune systems, and lowers the risk of contracting chronic diseases (Porcari et al., 1997; Church et al., 2002; Breyer et al., 2010). According to the International Nordic Walking Association (INWA) the goals of Nordic walking as a new form of physical activity are to maintain one’s health, strengthen the resources for health, prevent diseases and injuries, and provide health recovery activities. Nobody is surprised at the currently existing low physical activity of the elderly... [to full text]

Darbe atlikta teorinė šiaurietiško ėjimo kaip fizinio aktyvumo skatinimo forma analizė. Tyrimo tikslas – įvertinti šiaurietišką ėjimą kaip fizinio aktyvumo plėtojimo galimybę Lietuvoje. Siekiant tikslo, buvo keliami uždaviniai: 1. Išanalizuoti literatūrą šiaurietiško ėjimo tema. 2. Atlikti šiaurietišką ėjimą praktikuojančių asmenų anketinę apklausą. 3. Įvertinti šiaurietišką ėjimą kaip priemonę fizinio aktyvumo skatinimui 4. Išanalizuoti tyrimo rezultatus ir pateikti išvadas. Tyrimo metodai: Teoriniai: mokslinės, dalykinės, metodinės literatūros analizė; Empiriniai: anketinė apklausa, apklausa interviu metodu; Statistiniai: duomenys apdoroti ir diagramos sudarytos naudojantis Microsoft Excel programa. Tyrimas vyko 2010-12 iki 2011-02. Tyrime iš viso dalyvavo 62 Šiauliuose, Kaune, Vilniuje, Klaipėdoje, Telšiuose, Joniškyje, Lazdijuose, Vilkaviškyje gyvenantys asmenys, praktikuojantys šiaurietišką ėjimą. Tyrime dalyvavo 11 šiaurietiško ėjimo instruktorių ir 3 šiurietiško ėjimo organizacijų vadovai. Tikėtina, kad veiksmingai organizuojant šiaurietiško ėjimo veiklą, užtikrinama įvairaus amžiaus, lyties ir fizinio pajėgumo asmenų fizinio aktyvumo galimybė. Atlikus tyrimą konstatuota, kad šiaurietiško ėjimo organizacijų veiklos specifiką galima apibūdinti kaip visuomeninės organizacijos, savanoriškais pagrindais plėtojančias sveikatą stiprinančią fizinio aktyvumo formą. Savo veiklos pagalba jie siekia visuomeninės gerovės stiprinant žmonių sveikatą, propaguojant sveiką... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / The theoretical work of Nordic Walking as a form of physical activity analysis. The aim of the research - to assess Nordic Walking as possibility to develop physical activity in Lithuania. In order to achieve the aim, the following objectives have been set: 1. To analyze the literature on Nordic Walking theme. 2. Carry out survey on those who practice Nordic Walking. 3. Evaluate Nordic Walking as a means of promoting physical activity. 4. To analyze the results and present conclusions. The research methods: Theory: analysis of the scientific, professional, methodical literature; Empirical: a questionnaire survey, interview survey method; Statistics: data processing and chart created using Microsoft Excel. The experimental activities were carried out during the period from 2010-12 to 2011-02. The study included a total of 62 in Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipėda, Šiauliai, Joniškis, Telšiai, Lazdijai, Vilkaviškis living people, practicing Nordic Walking. The study involved 11 instructors of Nordic Walking and three chiefs of Nordic Walking organization. It is likely that the effective organization of Nordic Walking activities is ensuring people of all ages, gender and physical ability to promote opportunity of physical activity. After accomplishing the investigation specific of Nordic Walking organizations can be characterized as civil society organizations, on a voluntary basis promoting a form of physical activity which improves health. By their working they are reaching public... [to full text]