Nordic walking for cardiovascular prevention in patients with ischaemic heart disease or metabolic syndrome.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the feasibility and impact of a Nordic walking program on cardiovascular risk factors, quality of life, and treatment adherence in patients with chronic ischemic heart disease or metabolic syndrome.
Results Summary
The study observed a reduction in cardiovascular risk factors from 4.78 to 3, along with improvements in quality of life and treatment adherence. The program was deemed feasible in a public healthcare setting.
Population
Patients with uncontrolled cardiovascular risk factors, specifically those with chronic ischemic heart disease or metabolic syndrome.
Effective Dosage
2 weekly sessions of Nordic walking
Duration
1 year
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Nordic walking program | decrease | rate of cardiovascular risk factors | patients with uncontrolled cardiovascular risk factors | from 4.78 to 3 | reduction | #1 |
Nordic walking program | increase | quality of life | patients with uncontrolled cardiovascular risk factors | - | evident trend towards the improvement | #2 |
Nordic walking program | increase | treatment | patients with uncontrolled cardiovascular risk factors | - | better adherence | #3 |
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The incidence of atherosclerotic diseases has increased in Europe due in part to the population's sedentary lifestyle. Physical activity is useful for cardiovascular prevention. Nordic walking (NW) mobilizes a great number of muscular groups and is very popular in northern Europe. There is no data available on its impact in the healthcare system of the Mediterranean area. We propose the implementation of a NW program to promote physical activity and control cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF), as well as to improve quality of life and the adherence to medical treatment in patients with a chronic ischemic heart disease or metabolic syndrome. METHODS: We selected patients with uncontrolled CVRFs. These patients performed 2 weekly sessions of NW over the course of one year. Baseline data extracted from the patients' medical history, quality of life questionnaires and on adherence to treatment was compared with the results obtained at the end of the program. RESULTS: A reduction in the rate of CVRFs from 4.78 to 3 was observed, with an evident trend towards the improvement of the patients' quality of life and a better adherence to the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of a NW program is feasible in the public healthcare system and can aid in the management of CVRFs.