Nordic Walking does not reduce the loading of the knee joint

The use of Nordic Walking (NW) as a rehabilitation modality has increased considerably. NW (walking with poles) is advocated as a healthy physical activity that reduces the load on the knees. Few studies using the techniques of NW exist, and the findings are contradictory. The aim of this study was to investigate whether NW reduces the loadings upon the knee joint compared with walking without poles (NP). Seven experienced female NW instructors volunteered. Three-dimensional gait analyses were performed. Internal flexor and extensor joint moments were calculated using an inverse dynamics approach and the knee joint compressive forces were calculated. No differences in compression or shear forces between NW and NP were found. The peak knee flexion angles were larger during NW (-32.5+/-6.0 degrees) compared with NP (-28.2+/-4.2 degrees). The hip range of motion (ROM) was significantly increased during NW (64.4+/-10.2 degrees) compared with NP (57.8+/-9.7 degrees); no differences in the knee and ankle joint ROM were observed. The changes in the joint angles were not followed by changes in the joint dynamics. The present study does not support the statement that NW reduces the load on the knees.