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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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
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.
I was just at physical therapy today for the first time for osteoporosis and my therapist said Nordic Walking is a great exercise.
I have joined a Nordic walking group called WALX they have helped me with my posture and fitness which has reduced pain.