Does Nordic Walking restore the temporal organization of gait variability in Parkinson's disease?

Only 14 people with Parkinson's disease were tested, all able to walk 512 strides without aids and with mild to moderate symptoms, so the findings may not apply to more advanced disease or people who need walking aids. The study measured a single 12-minute walk after three one-hour technique-learning sessions, not a long-term Nordic walking programme, so it does not show sustained benefit. The reported outcomes were gait timing and spatiotemporal measures, not fall events, balance performance after intervention, or daily function. Several participants came from a previous study and were probably more motivated than typical patients. The design cannot separate the effect of the poles from the practice and attention involved in learning the technique. Only two participants had motor complications, and none had them during the walking trials, so effects in people who freeze or have dyskinesia are unclear.

The study was funded by Fonds pour la Formation à la Recherche dans l’Industrie et dans l’Agriculture and Fondation Saint-Luc. The supplied text does not list a commercial sponsor or a separate author conflict-of-interest declaration.

Do not conclude that Nordic walking is a proven long-term treatment for Parkinson's disease. The study tested a short walking session after three technique-learning sessions, measured stride timing in a lab, and included only 14 people with mild to moderate disease.