title: Inverse dynamic analysis of the lower extremities during nordic walking, walking, and running.
abstract: Compared with walking (W), Nordic walking (NW) exhibits greater cardiopulmonary and cardiovascular benefits. Some authors conjecture that compared with W or running (R), NW imposes smaller mechanical loads on the musculoskeletal system. The purpose of the current study was to quantify any differences in joint loading of the lower extremities among NW, W, and R. Fifteen experienced adults participated. Kinematic and force measurements were combined using an inverse dynamics approach to yield joint moments. The results showed no biomechanical benefit of NW. Instead, NW involved greater knee joint loading just after heel strike compared with W. This was due to the longer steps and the higher sole angle during the first part of the stance phase. The sagittal and frontal plane moments were smaller for NW compared with R, but in the transverse plane, the ankle moments were greater in NW than in W or R. Based on these results, NW is not recommended as an exercise for persons who seek to reduce biomechanical loading of the lower extremities.
authors.affiliation: Orthopaedic Clinic for Children, Aschau i. Chiemgau, Germany.
authors.forename: Felix
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Stief
authors.forename: Frank I
authors.initials: FI
authors.lastname: Kleindienst
authors.forename: Josef
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wiemeyer
authors.forename: Florian
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Wedel
authors.forename: Sebastian
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Campe
authors.forename: Berthold
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Krabbe
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena / Q000502:physiology; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology; D006621:Hip Joint / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012420:Running / Q000502:physiology*; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*; D016474:Weight-Bearing / Q000502:physiology*