Nordic Walking

[Fractious]

Hello,

I've read that Nordic Walking has benefits for those suffering from osteoporosis? I'd be interested to know if this has been researched or if any members here have tried it.

[Fruitandnutcase]

I’ve been Nordic walking for many years and find it really good. When I had an accident and fractured my sacrum two years ago I found them really useful for stability, especially for when coming down slopes.

I could barely walk to begin with and I was in colossal pain and as I said to the physio I saw in my hour of need and who referred me for MRIs “Put it this way, I won’t be jay walking for a while”. (I’m back to nipping across the road now and have even been known to run for a bus)

I found that I was able to lean on my poles when I needed to have a rest. They are good for taking the pressure off your knees and hips, they also help me walk faster so I suppose more force is going through my bones when I’m using them.

The only thing I would say is that I think you have to be able to walk pretty well to get the most out of them. I have always walked and even with my fractured sacrum I could still walk properly, just not as fast as I used to and it was pretty painful but if you are very infirm and wobbly I’m not sure how ideal they would be. I’d also recommend finding a group with a teacher who would get you using the poles properly.

As for do they improve osteoporosis I don’t know whether or not there have been any studies.

[Fractious in reply to Fruitandnutcase]

Thank you very much for that informative reply. I do a fair bit of walking - 5km + a day - but feel that my pace has been slowing recently. If the Nordic walking could stave off treatment for osteoporosis, I'd be happy to try it - with a knowledgeable teacher of course. Thank you again for your advice.

[Fruitandnutcase in reply to Fractious]

Oh you could well find they speed up your pace. At one point I power walked round a very flat local nature reserve. Husband and I did it in next to no time.

Then that night I had chest, back and arm pains. I took myself to A&E next morning in case I was having a heart attack. They took bloods and did tests etc and when I said to the doctor “ I was fine yesterday I had done the walk etc, “ she quickly decided that I probably had DOMS.

Sure enough I wasn’t having a heart attack I had a ‘sporting injury’ which I thought at my age and with osteoporosis was quite something. So they definitely can help you up your pace and you can’t half power up hills.

[wellness1]

If you search on YouTube for Margaret Martin and Nordic Walking, she has a few short videos on the topic.

If it's studies you're after, a quick search lead to these.

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

nature.com/articles/s41598-...

[Fractious in reply to wellness1]

They make for interesting reading. Thank you.

[CDreamer]

I and my husband, who is starting to stoop, are just starting to use Nordic sticks and am on a learning curve here but I think it very useful for all of the reasons outline by Fruitandnutcase.

[Teriparatide2024]

i’ve relied on Nordic walking poles for a few years now, as I have unstable, ankles, and severe osteoarthritis in them. They have been a lifesaver. I never go anywhere without them. The ones I got are made of carbon, so are extremely lightweight. They all encourage me to have a better posture.

[walk21]

I have been Nordic Walking for 14 years, to help strengthen my back muscles which support those week bones. I can walk more upright and stride better when I use them, and have more confidence walking on rough ground. I did have advice on the correct height pole for me, and was taught to use them properly. I think that is important

[1000Miler]

I've used hiking poles for about 20 years. They're very useful as an aid to stability when hiking over uneven or slippery ground and when going up or down a steep slope.On flat, even ground if using poles you can walk at a much higher speed than you otherwise would. Walking at high speed is, I think, beneficial for bones.

I've never felt the need for any lessons on how to use the poles, it sort of comes naturally. But I guess if you want to learn a specific technique you might need some instruction.

[Ihatescams]

I was just at physical therapy today for the first time for osteoporosis and my therapist said Nordic Walking is a great exercise.

[LoveEros]

I have joined a Nordic walking group called WALX they have helped me with my posture and fitness which has reduced pain.

[Fractious]

Thank you, all, for your very helpful replies/ advice on Nordic walking. I will be looking for a teacher/ club to get me started.

[Siamang]

Walk with Nordic walking poles every morning as helps get heart rate up and helps knees especially going down hill. I have Leki poles which fold up to take travelling.

[Fractious in reply to Siamang]

Thank you for that information, Siamang. I'm glad the poles are working for you.

A physio suggested that the poles would help my balance - adding that I didn't need that help just yet - but they wouldn't be a huge help with osteoporosis. So I won't go ahead with poles at this time.

I have started on Fortibone ( didn't look for medical advice on that) and hope that will make a difference.