Samenvatting

Background information: Previous studies implicates that Nordic walking is an effective exercise modality for improving exercise capacity. However, these findings are based on healthy subjects. Exercise capacity has shown to be a strong predictor for mortality and gives valuable prognostic information. Thus, the aim of this review is to look at the effect of Nordic walking, as an exercise modality, for improving exercise capacity in chronic disease patients.

Hypothesis: Nordic walking is an effective exercise modality for improving exercise capacity in chronic disease patients.
Study design: A literature review was performed. The review targeted longitudinal studies that were randomized clinical trials or controlled clinical trials, which contained between-group comparisons. Nordic walking in comparison to either a non-exercising control group or other forms of exercise in chronic disease patients were compared. Seven articles were eligible for inclusion in the review.

Results: Four comparisons were performed. The first compared Nordic walking to non-exercising control groups. Three out of four studies reported significant improvements (p=<0.05) in the Nordic walking group compared to the control group. In comparison two, Nordic walking was compared to walking. One out of two studies reported significant improvement in the Nordic walking group. Comparison three included one study and investigated the effect of Nordic walking compared to a standard cardiac rehabilitation programme. Significant improvement was reported in the Nordic walking group. In the last comparison, Nordic walking was compared to range of motion exercises. No significant improvement was reported.

Conclusion: Nordic walking seems to increase exercise capacity in chronic disease patients. However, based on the level of evidence, it is difficult to conclude if it can be recommended for practice and if it is preferable over other types of exercise.