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Substantiating Appropriate Motion Capture Techniques for the Assessment of Nordic Walking Gait and Posture in Older Adults
Published on: May 12, 2016
Nordic Walking does not reduce the loading of the knee joint
L Hansen1, M Henriksen, P Larsen
1National institute of Occupational Health, Lersø Parkallé, Copenhagen, Denmark. L-one@webspeed.dk
Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports
|January 23, 2008
Summary
Nordic Walking (NW) does not reduce knee joint loading compared to normal walking (NP). This study found no difference in knee forces, despite increased hip range of motion during NW.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Orthopedics
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Nordic Walking (NW) is increasingly used for rehabilitation.
- It is promoted for reducing knee joint load.
- Existing research on NW's effect on knee loading is limited and contradictory.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if Nordic Walking (NW) reduces knee joint loading compared to normal walking (NP).
- To analyze the biomechanical differences in knee joint loading between NW and NP.
Main Methods:
- Three-dimensional gait analysis was performed on seven experienced female NW instructors.
- Internal knee joint moments (flexor/extensor) were calculated using inverse dynamics.
- Knee joint compressive and shear forces were computed.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were found in knee joint compression or shear forces between NW and NP.
- Peak knee flexion angles were greater during NW compared to NP.
- Hip range of motion significantly increased during NW, but knee and ankle ROM remained unchanged.
Conclusions:
- The study does not support the claim that Nordic Walking reduces the load on the knee joint.
- Observed changes in joint angles during NW did not translate to altered joint dynamics or reduced knee loading.
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