The Influence of Nordic Walking on Isokinetic Trunk Muscle Endurance and Sagittal Spinal Curvatures in Women after Breast Cancer Treatment: Age-Specific Indicators

Justyna Hanuszkiewicz, Marek Woźniewski and Iwona Malicka
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Justyna Hanuszkiewicz: Faculty of Physiotherapy, University School of Physical Education in Wroclaw, 51-612 Wrocław, Poland
Marek Woźniewski: Faculty of Physiotherapy, University School of Physical Education in Wroclaw, 51-612 Wrocław, Poland
Iwona Malicka: Faculty of Physiotherapy, University School of Physical Education in Wroclaw, 51-612 Wrocław, Poland

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 5, 1-12

Abstract: Nordic walking (NW) is a popular form of rehabilitation. NW improves psychophysical condition in breast cancer (BC) survivors. This study aimed to analyze the effects of NW on functional and postural changes of the trunk in women of different ages after BC. We hypothesized that an age relationship would be found. BC survivors ( n = 39) were stratified by age as “middle- aged” (45–59 years) or “older” (60–75 years), then randomly allocated to the training intervention. A study group (SG, n = 19) participated in NW and a control group (CG, n = 20) performed general gymnastics. The sagittal spinal curvatures and isokinetic trunk muscle endurance were recorded at two time points, pre- and post-training intervention. Significant within NW group changes ( p < 0.05) were found for the total work (TW) and average power (AP) of trunk flexors and extensors and the upper thoracic angle in middle-aged women. In older Nordic walkers, significant increases in TW and AP of the trunk flexor muscles were observed, with a negative increase in the trunk inclination angle. In CG, no significant functional or postural changes were observed in response to general gymnastics. NW improved both functional and postural changes in middle-aged women. This study identified the limitations of NW training in older women.

Keywords: Nordic walking; spine; trunk muscles; posture; aging; prevention; physical activity; breast cancer (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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