2015, Volume 7, Issue 1

Influence of Nordic Walking training on static and dynamic body balance among the elderly

Zbigniew Ossowski¹, Marek Wawryniuk², Vida Janina Česnaitienė<sup>3

1</sup>Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport
²Medical University of Gdansk
³Lithuanian Sports University


Author for correspondence: Zbigniew Ossowski; Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport; email: awfis.rek[at]wp.pl

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Abstract

Background: Regression of body balance function is one of the main risk factors in falls among the elderly. The aim of this article was to evaluate changes in static and dynamic body balance levels among people over 65 years under the influence of Nordic Walking training.
Material/Methods: The research was conducted with participation of 21 people over 65 years old. The training lasted throughout a period of 6 months. Frequency of exercises was twice a week. Evaluation was conducted using 8-Foot Up-and-Go from the Senior Fitness Test and a single leg balance test from the EUROFIT test for adults.
Results: A general tendency for body balance improvement was observed among the elderly under the influence of Nordic Walking training. The average test results for static body balance level were improved by 4.32%. In the case of dynamic body balance the increase was 5.68%.
Conclusions: Loss of body balance is a problem affecting almost 14% of the population between 50-60 years of age. In the subsequent decade of life the risk of a fall increases to 22% on average, and among octogenarians the problem concerns over 33% of them. The research described below shows that using Nordic Walking training is advisable as a preventive measure against further diminishing of dynamic and static body balance among the elderly.

Key words: Nordic Walking, body balance, the elderly