The effects of nordic walking on the cardiovascular risk factors in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the effects of Nordic walking on cardiovascular risk factors in the elderly population through a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Methods

Literature searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science through November 2023. Two authors independently assessed heterogeneity in subgroups, performed sensitivity and meta-regression analyses, and extracted data. Outcomes were measured using mean difference (MD) or standardized mean difference (SMD), each with a corresponding 95 % confidence interval (CI).

Results

A total of 22 studies comprising 1,271 subjects, with an average age of 62.21±7.76 years were included in the meta-analysis. Nordic walking significantly reduced body mass index (MD = -0.67, 95 % CI [-1.12; -0.23], p < 0.01), body weight (MD = -1.76, 95 % CI [-2.91; -0.62], p < 0.01), waist circumference (MD = -2.21, 95 % CI [-4.13; -0.29], p = 0.02), and body fat percentage (MD = -1.54, 95 % CI [-2.61; -0.48], p < 0.01). It also significantly enhanced maximal oxygen consumption (SMD = 0.60, 95 % CI [0.11; 1.10], p < 0.01), and reduced systolic blood pressure (MD = -2.92, 95 % CI [-5.23; -0.60], p < 0.01), low-density lipoprotein (SMD = -0.27, 95 % CI [-0.43; -0.12], p < 0.01), total cholesterol (SMD = -0.20, 95 % CI [-0.35; -0.05], p < 0.01), triglycerides (SMD = -0.30, 95 % CI [-0.47; -0.13], p < 0.01) in older adults, while also improving diastolic blood pressure in people over 65 years of age (MD =-5.26, [-8.79,-1.72], p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Nordic walking mitigates cardiovascular risk factors in older adults and is particularly effective in improving diastolic blood pressure in individuals over 65 years of age.