Exploring the benefits and barriers to Nordic walking in people with Parkinson's disease: a feasibility study

McCracken, Sarah; Logan, Pip; Anthony, Kevin; Parr, John

Abstract

Background - Nordic Walking (NW) has shown promising outcomes for people with Parkinson’s Disease (PwPD).

Aim - To explore implementation of NW in the National Health Service.

Method - Literature review and feasibility study. PwPD joined an eight week NW programme. Attendance and measures of mobility (Timed Up and Go (TUG), ten metre walk test) and quality of life (QoL) (PD non-motor questionnaire) were recorded pre and post intervention. Barriers and facilitators and cost were recorded.

Findings - Eight studies indicated that NW is superior to walking and flexibility/ relaxation exercise, with improvements in postural stability and gait. Nine of ten participants completed the intervention with improvements in mobility (0.16 seconds faster (TUG), 1.27 seconds faster (ten metre walk test), and QoL (better sleep, pain management, constipation, mood, exercising outside) after the intervention. Cost £6.50 per participant per session with no adverse events.

Conclusion - NW programmes can be safely delivered in the NHS, in partnership with British Nordic walking.

Citation

McCracken, S., Logan, P., Anthony, K., & Parr, J. (2021). Exploring the benefits and barriers to Nordic walking in people with Parkinson's disease: a feasibility study. British Journal of Neuroscience Nursing, 17(5), 193-202. https://doi.org/10.12968/bjnn.2021.17.5.193

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jun 1, 2021
• Online Publication Date: Oct 25, 2021
• Publication Date: Oct 2, 2021
• Deposit Date: Dec 3, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Dec 7, 2021
• Journal: British Journal of Neuroscience Nursing
• Print ISSN: 1747-0307
• Electronic ISSN: 2052-2800
• Publisher: Mark Allen Healthcare
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 17
• Issue: 5
• Pages: 193-202
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.12968/bjnn.2021.17.5.193
• Keywords: Parkinson's Disease; Nordic walking, Ten metre walk test, Timed up and go, Non motor questionnaire.
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/5721722
• Publisher URL: https://www.magonlinelibrary.com/doi/full/10.12968/bjnn.2021.17.5.193