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Updated: Apr 21, 2026
Substantiating Appropriate Motion Capture Techniques for the Assessment of Nordic Walking Gait and Posture in Older Adults
Published on: May 12, 2016
Differences in ground reaction forces and shock impacts between nordic walking and walking
Alberto Encarnación-Martínez1, Pedro Pérez-Soriano, Salvador Llana-Belloch
1a Catholic University of Murcia.
Nordic walking (NW) increases shock impacts and ground reaction forces (GRF) compared to regular walking (W). These findings are crucial for health programs prescribing NW, considering its biomechanical effects.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Sports Science
- Physical Therapy
Background:
- Nordic walking (NW) is increasingly popular due to its health benefits.
- Scientific literature lacks consensus on shock-impact absorption during NW.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare impact levels and ground reaction forces (GRF) between Nordic walking (NW) and walking (W).
Main Methods:
- Twenty physically active, experienced participants were studied.
- Dynamometric platform and accelerometry were used for assessment.
Main Results:
- NW showed significantly higher tibial (12%) and head (21%) acceleration compared to W.
- GRF were significantly higher (27%) at foot strike but reduced (8%) at takeoff during NW versus W.
Conclusions:
- Nordic walking involves increased shock impacts and GRF compared to walking.
- These biomechanical differences should be considered in health programs recommending NW.
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