Scientists have developed an unexpected recipe for happiness: one exercise improves health, mood and increases efficiency

A recent study published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology shows that Nordic walking is superior to other types of exercise in cardiovascular rehabilitation for improving long-term functional capacity, reports Skiteckdaily.

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Compared with standard high-intensity interval training and moderate-to-high intensity continuous training, researchers found that Nordic walking in patients with coronary heart disease resulted in greater improvements in functional capacity or ability to perform daily activities. The results of their randomized clinical trial were recently published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology.

After severe cardiovascular disease, cardiovascular rehabilitation and exercise programs bring significant improvements in functional ability, cardiorespiratory endurance, and mental health. However, some people find exercise such as stationary cycling and walking boring and may quit after their cardiovascular rehab program is over. To find out if exercise could encourage more people to continue exercising and what benefits it could bring, the researchers looked at more attractive exercise options that would appeal to a wider audience.

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A growing body of research shows that non-routine exercises such as Nordic walking and high-intensity interval training are superior to traditional exercise methods for increasing functional ability, as measured by the Six Minute Walk Test, a key indicator of cardiovascular performance. in people with ischemic heart disease. Nordic walking is a more advanced form of walking that uses specially designed poles to better engage the muscles in both the upper and lower body.

“Patients with coronary artery disease often exhibit reduced functional capacity, a poor quality of life, and an increased risk of subsequent cardiovascular events and mortality,” explained lead researcher Jennifer L. Reed, Ph.D., from the Heart Institute’s Laboratory of Exercise Physiology and Cardiovascular Health. University of Ottawa.

Researchers compared the long-term effects of 12-week rehabilitation with high-intensity interval training, continuous moderate-to-high intensity training, and Nordic walking on functional capacity, quality of life, and depressive symptoms in patients with coronary artery disease. One hundred and thirty patients were randomized to a 12-week study in one of these three groups, followed by a 14-week follow-up phase.

While all exercise programs improved depressive symptoms and quality of life, functional improvement was greatest with Nordic walking (+19%) compared to high-intensity interval training (+13%) and moderate-to-high intensity continuous training (+12%) .

“This is a key finding because lower functional capacity predicts a higher risk of future cardiovascular problems in people with coronary artery disease,” Dr. Reed said. “Nordic walking engages the core, upper and lower body muscles while reducing stress on the knee, which may have led to greater improvements in functionality.”

“No previous studies have directly compared the long-term effects of high-intensity interval training, continuous moderate-to-high intensity training, and Nordic walking,” commented Tasuku Terada, PhD, Laboratory of Exercise Physiology and Cardiovascular Health, Department of Cardiac Prevention and rehabilitation, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

“This study is new because it simultaneously compared the sustained effects (i.e. 14 weeks after completion of cardiovascular rehabilitation) of different exercise programs that can easily be incorporated into daily exercise. When prescribing exercise for patients with coronary artery disease, patient preferences should be taken into account. Our findings may impact patient care by offering exercise alternatives based on their interests and needs,” he concluded.

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In an accompanying editorial, Carl J. Lavie, MD, Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, John Oxner Heart and Vascular Institute, Oxner Clinical School, University of Queensland School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, and colleagues noted that the addition of Scandinavian walking as part of a cardiovascular rehabilitation program can be an ideal transition from standard continuous moderate-intensity training or traditional walking, especially for debilitated patients who may not tolerate high-intensity exercise, or for patients who are contraindicated in high-intensity interval training.

“Adding Scandinavian poles to moderate to high intensity walking is an easy and affordable option to improve walking ability, increase energy expenditure, engage upper body muscles, and improve other functional parameters such as posture, gait and balance,” commented Dr. Lavie. .

“Providing a variety of exercise options increases patient satisfaction and progress, which is important for adherence and maintenance. Exercise methods should be tailored to the goals, preferences, and capabilities of the patient,” he recommended.

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