Abstract
Staying active, including walking is promoted as being beneficial for patients with low back pain (LBP). The abdominal muscles appear to influence the stability of the spine and their activity has been shown to change when patients have LBP. Walking with Nordic walking poles has been shown to influence forces on the lower limbs, but little research has investigated the effect on the trunk muscles. Aim: to study the effect of walking using Nordic walking poles on abdominal muscle activity and lower limb forces.
Method 15 healthy subjects gave informed consent (5 males. 10 females, age 21.06 yrs.(±88), height 174.45cms (±11.1), weight 71.44 kg (±15.2)). Following a period of walking training with Nordic walking poles data was obtained during a period of walking for internal IO) and external oblique (EO) using surface electromyography activity and vertical lower limb forces (Newtons, (N)) with (WP) and without Nordic walking poles (NP). SEMG data was normalised to maximum voluntary contraction.
Results
There were significant increases in IO (p=0.02, NP 31.94 (±39.9) WP 53.05 (±40.61)), EO (p=0.02, NP 46.45, (±30.9), WP 87.93 ± (±60.5)) and vertical forces with poles (p=0.008, NP871.6 (±237.00)N, WP 968.33, (±210.8) N).
Discussion
Using Nordic walking poles significantly increases activity of IO and EO, which may be of value in the rehabilitation of some patients with LBP. Vertical forces increased when walking with poles which is contrary to previous research. This may be due to the data collection setting of a research laboratory or the subjects being novice walkers.
Conflicts of interest - None
Sources of funding - British Nordic Walking supported the study by providing training for the students in Nordic walking from International qualified Nordic Walking Federation trainer, Karen Ingram
This abstract has not been previously published in whole or substantial part nor has it been presented previously at a national meeting.
