Pole-walking Good for Diabetes & BMI!
Reference:Fritz T, et al Effects of Nordic walking on health-related quality of life in overweight individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus, impaired or normal glucose tolerance. Diabet Med. 2011 Nov;28(11):1362-72.
This Swedish study involved over 200 middle-aged men and women with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Half the subjects were randomized to do 5 hours of pole-walking/week and the other half served as the control and were asked to continue with their regular activities.
After 4 months, the diabetics in the pole-walking group had significant improvements in their quality of sleep and BMIas compared with control subjects.
Clinical Relevance: On your next patient with Type 2 Diabetes with a high BMI, suggest Nordic pole-walking.
Personal Comment: Spending money (approx. $100), on a good set of poles is better than getting cheap poles. I?ve tried the cheap poles and the better quality ones such as Urban Poles (without straps) and Nordixx Poles (with straps) …no debate, go for the better quality ones!
Posted on: October 06, 2012
Categories: Relevant Physical Therapy Articles