Mechanical energy patterns in nordic walking: comparisons with conventional walking

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Human Movement Science
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Nordic Walking (NW) utilizes poles for propulsion, potentially altering gait mechanics compared to conventional walking (W).
• Previous research suggests NW may increase stride length, speed, and ground reaction forces.
• Understanding NW's impact on body's center of mass (COM) motion and limb energetics is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the body's center of mass (COM) motion, limb energy patterns, mechanical work, and efficiency between NW and W.
• To investigate the biomechanical differences induced by pole usage in NW.

Main Methods:

• Eight experienced Nordic Walkers completed 5-minute trials of both NW and W on a treadmill at 4 km/h.
• Measurements included steady-state oxygen consumption, body segment movements, and pole kinematics.
• Analysis focused on COM displacement, kinetic energy (KE), potential energy (PE), and mechanical work.

Main Results:

• NW exhibited greater fluctuations in COM kinetic and potential energy compared to W.
• NW showed a 10.9% higher pendular recovery between KE and PE, attributed to pole propulsion.
• Total mechanical work was 10.2% higher in NW, primarily due to upper limb and pole movement, with NW being 20% less efficient.

Conclusions:

• Nordic Walking is a highly dynamic gait with unique mechanical characteristics compared to conventional walking.
• Pole propulsion and arm/pole swing in NW lead to increased energy fluctuations and mechanical work.
• NW is metabolically more demanding and less efficient than W due to upper body muscle recruitment and biomechanics.