Short-term and long-term effects of nordic walking training on balance, functional mobility, muscle strength and aerobic endurance among Hungarian community-living older people: a feasibility study

The aim of this study was to investigate the short-term and long-term effects of a moderate intensity nordic walking program, and the feasibility of this exercise form among Hungarian community-living older adults. Forty one community-living older adults aged over 60 years (mean 67.5, SD 4.8 years) participated in a nordic walking program consisting of a 10-week supervised period and a 25-week unsupervised period. The age and gender matched control group did not receive any types of exercise programs. The balance, functional mobility, lower limb strength, and aerobic endurance were measured at baseline, after 10 weeks and after 25 weeks. The balance, the functional mobility and the aerobic endurance significantly improved in the nordic walking group (P=0.001; P=0.04; P