The Effect of Nordic Walking Exercise Training on Physical Fitness, Physical Activity Level, Anxiety-Depression and Quality of Life in Smokers: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Aim: The aim of study was to investigate effects of nordic walking exercise (NWE) on physical fitness, physical activity, anxiety-depression level and quality of life in smokers. Material and Methods: 30 smoking individuals with a mean age of 31.45±12.75 years were assigned randomly into two groups: NWE (n=15) or control group (n=15). NWE group performed NWE three times a week for 6 weeks and gradually increasing to 45 min a day. No intervention was made in control group. The health-related physical fitness level was assessed with arm curl test (upper extremity endurance), chair sit and stand test (lower extremity endurance), two minutes step test (aerobic endurance), sit and reach and back scratch test (flexibility), eight foot up and go test (balance), 6-minute walk test (MWT) (cardiopulmonary endurance). Physical activity levels with International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) short form, anxiety-depression level with Beck Depression Questionnaire, quality of life with Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) were evaluated. The differences in measurement parameters between two groups were evaluated by the Mann Whitney U Test since the data distribution was nonparametric. The distinction between categorical variables were determined by Chi-square test. Results: 6-MWT distance (p=0.005), two minutes step (p=0.022), IPAQ walking scores (p=0.028) statistically significant improvements were observed in NWE group. In control group, 6 MWT distance (p=0.025), two minutes step (p=0.032), sit and reach (p=0.043) scores decreased statistically significantly. 6 MWT distance (p=0.006), two minutes step (p=0.021), 8 foot up and go (p=0.005), IPAQ walking (p=0.045), moderate intensity activity (p=0.038), total scores (p=0.013), NHP emotional (p=0.045), total (p=0.045) scores significantly differed in favor of NWE group. Conclusion: It is thought that NWE may be effective and alternative exercise approache in increasing physical fitness, physical activity level and quality of life in smokers and guided to rehabilitation programme.