Nordic Walking Research

Scientific researches

There is a lot of scientific evidence about the benefits of Nordic Walking. INWA collects worldwide researches concerning Nordic Walking and also consults actively scientists, institutions and universities about new researches. If you are interested in Nordic Walking studies or you are planning Nordic Walking related research project, please contact INWA office.

General benefits of Nordic Walking are:

- Heart rate is 5-17 beats/minute higher (for example in normal walking heart rate is 130 beats/minute and in Nordic Walking 147 beats/minute i.e increase is 13%)

- Energy consumption increases when using poles by an average of 20% compared with ordinary walking

- As much as 46% increase in energy consumption (Cooper Institute research, Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sports 2002 publication)

- Releases muscle tension and pain in the neck and shoulder region

- The lateral mobility of the neck and spine increases significantly

- The muscles most actively involved are the forearm extensor and flexor muscles the rear part of the shoulder muscles, the large pectoral muscles and the broad back muscles.

- Does not aggravate joints and knees

- Reduces the load on knees of overweight persons

- Burns about 400 calories per hour (compared with 280 calories per hour for normal walking)

- Poles are a safety factor on slippery surfaces