Article

The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of Nordic pole walking
(NPW) training with traditional treadmill training (TT) on a claudication (CD)
and maximum walking distance (MWD) in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD).
METHOD: Patients with intermittent claudication (IC)
(n = 70; age=68.27)
in the Fontaine class II were randomized into a two three-month rehabilitation
programs performed three times per week. TT were finished by 31 patients, NPW by
21. Walking capacity was measured by an exercise treadmill test (ETT) with the
Gardner-Skinner protocol (before and after the program) and six minute walk test
(6MWT) (before, during and after the program).
RESULTS: In an ETT both groups
reached significant increase in CD and MWD (p </= 0.005). In 6MWT NPW group
reached significant increase in both CD (p = 0.001) and MWD
(p = 0.001), whereas
the TT group only in MWD (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS:
NPW has been shown to be as
effective as the standard TT and is much less expensive. It should be the
preferred method of exercise for PAD patients with IC. Implications for Rehabilitation Nordic walking training is a valuable form of rehabilitation for
peripheral arterial disease (PAD) patients with intermittent claudication (IC).
Nordic walking has been shown to be as efficient as traditional treadmill
training. It is however more cost-effective method of rehabilitation in PAD patients.

Langue : ANGLAIS