Want to feel steadier with every step? Activator® poles can turn an everyday walk into a confidence-building, full-body activity—giving older adults added support, a comfortable rhythm, and another way to stay active and independent.
What the Research Tells Us
Study overview. A small project at Ste-Anne’s Hospital in Montreal examined older adults who participated in an Activator® pole Nordic walking program. Participants improved their balance scores on the BERG Balance Scale, and no falls were reported during the program. Ferland and Robbins presented the findings at the 2018 Canadian Physiotherapy Conference.
- Potential benefits: Although the study was very small, its findings suggest that Nordic walking with Activator® poles may help older adults maintain functional independence and reduce factors associated with falls.
- How balance was measured: The 14-item BERG Balance Scale assesses static and dynamic balance during everyday tasks such as standing, reaching, turning, and transferring. Clinicians use the scores to monitor balance and help assess fall risk.
- Why the presentation mattered: Sharing the project as a poster at the 2018 Canadian Physiotherapy Conference brought these early findings to a national professional audience and highlighted their relevance to physiotherapy practice. It also reinforced the need for larger, longer-term studies.
Why consistency matters. Because the promising balance and fall-prevention gains faded after the program ended, making pole walking a regular part of your routine may help you enjoy the benefits for longer.
How the Poles May Help
- Extra stability: The poles provide more points of contact with the ground, which can make walking feel steadier.
- More confidence: Feeling supported may make it easier to walk more often and stay involved in everyday activities.
- Support for independence: Regular practice may help build the strength, coordination, and mobility needed for daily tasks.
- A helpful part of falls prevention: More research is needed, but the Ste-Anne’s Hospital project suggests that Activator® pole Nordic walking could be a useful addition to a broader falls-prevention plan.
The Bottom Line
What This Means for You
This small study offers an encouraging takeaway: using Activator® poles for Nordic walking may help older adults feel steadier and more confident during everyday activities.
- Stay steady: The poles may provide added support while walking.
- Stay confident: Regular practice may help you feel more secure and independent.
- Keep it going: Making pole walking part of an active lifestyle may help the benefits last.
Although more research is needed, every steady step forward can help contribute to a safer, more active future! Why not start today?
