Int J Sports Med 2011; 32(6): 407-414
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1268461
Training & Testing

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Efficacy of Nordic Walking in Obesity Management

H. Figard-Fabre1 , N. Fabre1 , A. Leonardi1 , F. Schena1 , 2
  • 1Center of Bioengineering and Motor Science, University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
  • 2University of Motor Sciences, University of Verona, Italy
Further Information

Publication History

accepted after revision October 26, 2010

Publication Date:
06 April 2011 (online)

Abstract

The effects of a Nordic walking (NW) program compared to those of a walking (W) program on physiological and perceptual variables in obese middle-aged women were investigated. Subjects (n=12 NW group, n=11 W group) trained over 12 weeks 3 times.week−1. Body mass, body mass index (BMI), body fat, heart rate (HR), resting blood pressure, peak oxygen consumption (V˙O2peak) were measured before and after the training period. Moreover, HR, rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and adherence were recorded during all training sessions. After the training period body mass, body fat and diastolic blood pressure decreased in both groups (P<0.05) whereas V˙O2peak increased in the NW group (+3.7 ml.min−1.kg−1; P=0.005). During the training sessions, mean HR (P=0.021), HR at preferred walking speed (P=0.020) and % of time at high intensity (P=0.031) were higher in NW than in the W group. Finally, RPE was not influenced by the modality of exercise and NW group showed a higher rate of adherence (91±19% vs. 81±29%; P=0.011). To conclude, NW activity in obese women allows an increase in exercise intensity and adherence to a training program without increasing the perception of effort leading to enhanced aerobic capacity.

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Correspondence

Dr. Hélène Figard-Fabre

Center of Bioengineering and

Motor Science

University of Trento

Via Matteo Del Ben 5/b

38068 ROVERETO

Italy

Phone: +39/0464/488103

Fax: +39/0464/488141

Email: helene.figard@aliceadsl.fr

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