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.