Effects of Nordic Walking Training on Anthropometric, Body Composition and Functional Parameters in the Middle-Aged Population

Alessia Grigoletto, Mario Mauro, Alberto Oppio, Gianpiero Greco, Francesco Fischetti, Stefania Cataldi and Stefania Toselli
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Alessia Grigoletto: Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
Mario Mauro: Department of Life Quality Studies, University of Bologna, 47921 Rimini, Italy
Alberto Oppio: School of Pharmacy, Biotechnology and sport Science, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
Gianpiero Greco: Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Study of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
Francesco Fischetti: Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Study of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
Stefania Cataldi: Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Study of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
Stefania Toselli: Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 12, 1-14

Abstract: Nordic walking (NW) is an easy physical exercise that is usually proposed for clinical populations and for the elderly. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of a period of NW training in a non-clinical middle-aged population on anthropometric, body composition and functional parameters. A pre-test/post-test study design was conducted on 77 participants: 56 women (72.7%, age 55.53 ± 9.73 years) and 21 men (27.3%, age 60.51 ± 8.15 years). The measurements were carried out with physical tests at the baseline and at the follow up. Participants did two weekly NW training sessions of about 60 min each. A questionnaire was administered to evaluate their feelings after the training period. Paired Students’ test was carried out to evaluate the pre–post differences, and the analysis of variance was performed to evaluate the questionnaire. Participants had significantly less stress and anxiety after the NW training. Body fat parameters showed a significant decrease, especially for women. Phase angle and strength of lower body presented a significant increase in both sexes after the training period. In conclusion, NW shows many potential benefits also for the nonclinical population and could be an important exercise to remain active and to maintain a good health condition.

Keywords: anthropometric measure; body composition; middle-aged; Nordic walking; outdoor physical exercise; physical exercise (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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