Nordic walking increases circulating VEGF more than traditional walking training in postmenopause

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Cardiovascular Health
• Metabolic Health

Background:

• Nordic walking (NW) engages more muscle groups than traditional walking (WT).
• Mechanical loading during exercise stimulates vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion.
• VEGF plays a role in skeletal muscle and endothelial function, and is also released from adipocytes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effects of NW and WT on VEGF levels in postmenopausal women.
• To investigate exercise-induced changes in VEGF due to differing muscle engagement.

Main Methods:

• Thirty postmenopausal women were randomized into NW or WT groups.
• Both groups trained three times weekly for 40-50 minutes at a moderate intensity (RPE 12/15).
• Anthropometric parameters were assessed to evaluate body composition changes.

Main Results:

• Nordic walking resulted in a significantly greater increase in circulating VEGF compared to traditional walking (p=0.041).
• Both groups showed significant reductions in weight, BMI, and hip circumference.
• While both groups improved arm fat index, WT participants showed a greater net decrease from a higher baseline.

Conclusions:

• Nordic walking is more effective than traditional walking in elevating circulating VEGF levels when exercise intensity is matched.
• Both NW and WT offer benefits for body composition in postmenopausal women.