The Impact of NordicWalking Pole Length on Gait Kinematic Parameters

Nordic walking (NW) is a popular physical activity used to manage chronic diseases and
maintain overall health and fitness status. This study aimed to compare NW to ordinary walking (W)
with regard to pole length and to identify kinematic differences associated with different poles’ length
(55%, 65% and 75% of the subject’s height, respectively). Twelve male volunteers (21.1  0.7 years;
1.74  0.05 m; 68.9  6.1 kg) were tested in four conditions (W, NW55, NW65 and NW75) at three
different speeds (4-5-6 kmh􀀀1). Each subject performed a total of twelve tests in a random order.
Three-dimensional kinematics of upper and lower body were measured for bothWand NW, while
oxygen consumption levels (VO2) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured only for
NW trials with different poles’ length. NW showed a higher step length, lower elbow motion and
higher trunk motion (p < 0.05) compared toW. Additionally, NW65 did not show any kinematic or
RPE differences compared to NW55 and NW75. Only NW75 showed a higher elbow joint (p < 0.05)
and lower pole (p < 0.05) range of motion compared to NW55 and a higher VO2 (p < 0.05) compared
to NW55 and NW65 at 6 kmh􀀀1. In conclusion, the use of the poles affects the motion of the upper
and lower body during gait. Poles with shorter or longer length do not produce particular changes
in NW kinematics. However, increasing the length of the pole can be a smart variation in NW to
increase exercise metabolic demand without significantly affecting the kinematics and the RPE.