Effects of nordic walking on senior women’s physical fitness

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Dr.Biol., Professor S.I. Loginov1
A.Yu. Nikolayev1
PhD, Associate Professor M.N. Malkov1
1Surgut State University, Surgut

The study analyzes benefits of a Nordic walking (NW) testing experiment for the senior women’s (55-76 year-old, n=39) physical fitness. The Experimental Group (EG, n=20) was trained by 50-60min NW three times a week for 16 weeks; versus the Reference Group (RG, n=19) engaged in health walking practices for the same period. The group progress was tested by the pre- and post-experimental physical fitness tests for seniors. The EG showed progress versus the RG in arm strength, aerobic capacity and movement coordination test rates (p<0,05), with the lower limb strength and flexibility rates showing no variations. The RG also showed progress in the lower limb strength and aerobic capacity rates obtained by a 6-min walking test (p<0.05). It may be concluded, therefore, that the regular NW practices are recommended for physical activation (and sedentary lifestyle control) purposes, with the NW training effects being higher versus the health walking practices.

Keywords: motor activity, physical activity, elderly people, Yugra, fitness test for elderly people, Nordic walking.

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