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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 practice might improve plantar pressure distribution
Pedro Pérez-Soriano1, Salvador Llana-Belloch, Alfonso Martínez-Nova
1Department of Sport and Physical Education, University of Valencia, Spain. pedro.perez-soriano@uv.es
Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport
|January 27, 2012
Summary
Nordic walking (NW) significantly reduces foot pressure on metatarsals compared to normal walking. Regular NW practice may even improve plantar pressure during regular walking without poles.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Sports Medicine
- Kinesiology
Background:
- Nordic walking (NW), a pole-assisted walking technique, is gaining popularity.
- Understanding its biomechanical effects on plantar pressure is crucial for injury prevention and performance enhancement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare plantar pressure patterns between Nordic walking and normal walking.
- To investigate the influence of NW experience on plantar pressure distribution.
- To assess potential carry-over effects of NW on normal walking patterns.
Main Methods:
- Plantar pressures in nine foot zones were measured for 50 participants (20 experienced, 30 beginners).
- Trials were conducted under two conditions: NW and normal walking.
- Two walking speeds were used: preferred and 20% faster.
Main Results:
- NW significantly reduced metatarsal pressure by approximately 50% compared to normal walking (p < .05).
- No significant pressure increases were observed in other foot regions during NW.
- Experienced NW participants showed a 40% reduction in metatarsal pressure during normal walking compared to beginners.
Conclusions:
- Nordic walking effectively redistributes plantar pressure, reducing load on the central metatarsals.
- Consistent NW practice may confer benefits to plantar pressure regulation even during non-pole walking.
- Findings suggest NW is a valuable exercise for modifying foot biomechanics.