2014, Volume 6, Issue 1

Motivations and effects of practicing Nordic Walking by elderly people



Andrzej Knapik1, Edward Saulicz2, Andrzej Mysliwiec2, Mariola Saulicz2, Aneta Warmuz-Wancisiewicz1

1Medical University of Silesia
2Academy of Physical Education


Author for correspondence: Aneta Warmuz-Wancisiewicz; Medical University of Silesia; email: anetawarmuz[at]wp.pl

DOI: 10.2478/bjha-2014-0004

Full text

Abstract

Background: As a result of numerous advantages of Nordic Walking such as the movement simplicity, its affordability and availability for people of various ages and with different levels of fitness, this relatively young physical activity has been developing remarkably for several years. It has the potential of increasing physical activity among elderly people. Defining to what extent practicing Nordic Walking (NW) influences the general level of physical activity and the quality of life of elderly people.
Material/Methods: 161 people were examined (93 women and 68 men) at the age of 60 or above. In this group 48 practised NW: 33 women and 15 men. Health self-assessment was determined using the SF-36 questionnaire, whereas the level of physical activity using the SEWL questionnaire.
Results: Statistically significant differences were noted (p <0.05) between respondents practising NW and the control group at the level of both physical activity and health selfassessment.
Conclusions: Practising NW positively influences the increase of elderly people’s physical activity, translating to the level of health self-assessment


Key words: Nordic Walking, physical activity, self-assessment of health


Cite this article as:

AMA:

Knapik A, Saulicz E, Mysliwiec A et al. Motivations and effects of practicing Nordic Walking by elderly people. Balt J Health Phys Activ. 2014;6. doi:10.2478/bjha-2014-0004

APA:

Knapik, A., Saulicz, E., Mysliwiec, A., Saulicz, M., & Warmuz-Wancisiewicz, A. (2014). Motivations and effects of practicing Nordic Walking by elderly people. Balt J Health Phys Activ, 6. https://doi.org/10.2478/bjha-2014-0004

Chicago:

Knapik, Andrzej, Saulicz Edward, Mysliwiec Andrzej, Saulicz Mariola, Warmuz-Wancisiewicz Aneta. 2014. "Motivations and effects of practicing Nordic Walking by elderly people". Balt J Health Phys Activ 6. doi:10.2478/bjha-2014-0004

Harvard:

Knapik, A., Saulicz, E., Mysliwiec, A., Saulicz, M., and Warmuz-Wancisiewicz, A. (2014). Motivations and effects of practicing Nordic Walking by elderly people. Balt J Health Phys Activ, 6. https://doi.org/10.2478/bjha-2014-0004

MLA:

Knapik, Andrzej et al. "Motivations and effects of practicing Nordic Walking by elderly people." Balt J Health Phys Activ, vol. 6, 2014. doi:10.2478/bjha-2014-0004

Vancouver:

Knapik A, Saulicz E, Mysliwiec A et al. Motivations and effects of practicing Nordic Walking by elderly people. Balt J Health Phys Activ 2014; 6. Available from: doi:10.2478/bjha-2014-0004