Abstrakt
Walking with poles or Nordic Walking (NW) is considered an activity with higher energy cost than simple walking (W). The aim of the study was to assess the effect of arm work intensity on energy expenditure during walking with poles in 14 active males.
Oxygen consumption was used to assess energy cost during W and NW with moderate and high arm work intensity. NW with low arm work was only equal in demand as walking without poles.
However, NW with high arm work or active propulsion produced large increases in the oxygen uptake of 5.4 and 4.1ml.min-1.kg-1 at 0 % and 10% slope, respectively. The study showed that arm work intensity is one of the key factors influencing the energy cost of NW.
The results may be considered by physical trainers or therapists in developing NW program prescription. The proper NW technique with active arm propulsion should be performed when seeking an increase in activity energy cost.