Research

We are proud to say that the Activator Poles were selected for New Canadian Research.

A study at the University of Western Ontario (Schools of Physical Therapy and Kinesiology) is evaluating the effect of walking with poles on knee joint loading in people with osteoarthritis

Investigating the effectiveness of the Activator for residents of long-term care facilities. Participants’ balance, overall fitness, grip strength and self-perceived health will be evaluated before and after an eight-week urban poling program. Study conducted with the physiotherapy department in a care facility with frail older adults.

There have been over 52 research studies (published, unpublished, thesis and pilot studies) on the use of walking poles according to Dr. Raija Laukkanen (2006) Review:  Scientific evidence on Nordic walking.

Some of the studies include:

Fibromyalgia

A 2010 Swedish study found that fibromyalgia patients who Nordic walked twice a week for 15 weeks showed a significantly greater improvement in the 6-minute walk test, a significantly larger decrease in exercise heart rate and significantly improved scores on the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire Pain scale as compared with a low-impact walking group. (Reported in Arthritis Research & Therapy 2010)

Stability, Balance and Posture

A study done at a Santa Barbara retirement community suggested that poling improved stability , mobility and posture for older adults (Afman, Baker & Miersma, 2005)

• Average age of participants was over 80.  Many participants were previous cane and walkers users.
• Walker users should only use the Activator under the direction of a trained therapist.

Fall Prevention

A study in 2006 from Texas Woman’s University, Denton, Texas, stated  decreased balance is a major contributor to accidental falls in the elderly. It concluded that walking poles provided increased gait stability at both preferred and fast speeds in general by mainly increasing Maximum Attainable Base Of Stability (MABOS) (Kwon, Silver, Ryu, Yoon, Newton & Shim, 2006) (unpublished)

Parkinson’s Disease

A study published in Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development found pole walking had a significant effect on the exercise tolerance of individuals with Parkinson’s Disease.   Moreover, the results indicate that after only 8 weeks of pole walking, the health-related quality of life of the subjects improved (Baatile, Langbein,  Weaver,  Maloney & Jost, 2000).

Another study published in the official journal of the Movement Disorder Society found that Nordic walking may improve mobility in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Preliminary findings suggest that Nordic walking could provide a safe, effective, and enjoyable way to reduce physical inactivity in PD and to improve the quality of life (van Eijkeren, Reijmers, Kleinveld, Minten, Bruggen, Bloem. 2008)

Less Impact on Knee Joints

A study in 2001 found that walking poles enabled subjects to walk at a quicker speed with reduced vertical ground reaction forces, vertical knee joint reaction forces and greater supported movement. (Wilson et al., 2001)

Cardiovascular and caloric expenditure

The Cooper Institute assessed Nordic Walking and found a 20% increase in caloric expenditure and oxygen consumption compared to regular walking (Church, 2001)

Psychological Benefits

A study at the University of Wisconsin concluded that Exerstrider showed greater psychological benefits and reduced fatigue compared to just walking (Stoughton, l992) (Thesis) .

Coronary Disease

The effort involved during Nordic Walking has also been investigated in coronary heart patients . All subjects had had either heart bypass or angioplasty operations or had suffered cardiac infarctions. During pole walking average energy consumption increased 21%, heart rate by 14 beats/minute and highest systolic/diastolic blood pressure figures by 16 and 4 mmHg respectively when compared with figures during normal walking. The research group concluded that pole walking is a safe form of rehabilitation for heart patients. (Walter, Porcari, Brice, Terry. Acute responses to using walking poles in patients with coronary artery disease. J Cardiopulm Rehabil Jul-Aug;16(4), 245-50, 1996.) A similiar study in Poland concluded that Nordic Walking is a purposeful activity for cardiac rehabilitation. (Wilk M, Kocur P, Przywarska I, Rozanska A, Owczarski T, Dylewicz P, 2005 (unpublished))

Older Sedentary Individuals

A study examining the benefits of NW on functions important to everyday life among older sedentary individuals in Virginia, USA included functional tests and a health questionaire. The results of all functional tests were statistically significantly better after training.(Parkatti T, Wacker P, Andrews N. – Functional capacity from Nordic Walking among elderly people. Seminar poster at University of Jyväskylä, Finland, 2002.)

Peripheral Arterial Disease

Published in Journal of Vascular Surgery, a clinical research study completed at Veterans Affairs Hospital concluded patients with claudication pain from peripheral arterial disease who pole walked regularly would benefit from improved cardiovascular fitness, increased exercise tolerance, lower perceived leg pain during moderate-intensity walking, improved skeletal muscle strength and endurance and better weight control. (Langbein, Collins, Orebaugh,  Maloney, Williams, Littooy & Edwards, 2002).

Upper Extremity Strengthening for Breast Cancer Survivors

A study published at the University of Northern Colorado showed using walking poles for eight weeks significantly improved muscular endurance of the upper body in breast cancer patients following treatment (Sprod, 2003) a