Field testing of physiological responses associated with Nordic Walking

This study compared the physiological responses (oxygen consumption and energy expenditure) of Nordic Walking to regular walking under field-testing conditions. Eleven women (M age = 27.1 years, SD = 6.4) and I I men (M age = 33.8 years, SD = 9.0) walked 1, 600 in with and without walking poles on a Level, 200-m track. For women, Nordic Walking resulted in increased oxygen consumption (M = 14.9 ml.kg(-1).min(-1), SD = 3.2 vs. M = 17.9 ml.kg(-1).min(-1), SD = 3.5; p <. 001), caloric expenditure (M = 4.6 kcal.min(-1), SD = 1.2 vs. M = 5.4 kcal.min(-1) SD = 1.2; p < .001), and heart rate (M = 113.7 bpm, SD = 12.0 vs. M = 118.7 bpm, SD = 14.8, p < .05) compared to regular walking. For men, Nordic Walking resulted in increased oxygen consumption (M = 12.8 ml.kg(-1).min(-1), SD = 1.8 vs. M = 15.5, SD = 3.4 ml.kg(-1).min(-1); p < .01), caloric expenditure (M = 5.7 kcal.min(-1) SD = 1.3 vs. M = 6.9 kcal.min(-1) SD = 1.8; p < .001), and heart rate (M = 101.6 bpm, SD = 12.0 bpm vs. M = 109.8 bpm, SD = 14.7; p < .01) compared to regular walking. Nordic Walking, examined in the field, results in a significant increase in oxygen use and caloric expenditure compared to regular walking, without significantly increasing perceived exertion.