Effects of Nordic Walking and Free Walking on Arm Swing Parameters and Gait in Parkinson's Disease

Change in the amplitude of arm swing,Change in the arm swing asymmetry

People with Parkinson's Disease(PD) present a series of alterations such as muscle stiffness
 and motor slowing, which gradually affect the swinging movement of the arms and legs,
 altering the ability to walk, increasing the risk of falling, and reducing functionality.
 This implies a higher energy cost and a greater probability of developing freezing of the
 gait.
 
 Nordic walking (NW) is a form of physical exercise characterized by the use of walking poles,
 which could contribute positively to arm swing movement and, thus, gait.
 
 This clinical trial aims to compare Nordic Walking with free walking (FW) protocol training
 and investigate their effects on arm swing and gait parameters in people with PD.
 
 The study hypothesizes that NW training will reduce asymmetry and increase arm swing
 amplitudes during gait to a greater extent than FW. Also, improvements in arm swing could
 positively influence lower limb performance during regular gait, increasing gait speed,
 stride length, functional mobility, and quality of life.
 
 People with PD will complete 24 supervised NW or FW training sessions for 12 weeks. Both
 trainings will be identical in volume and intensity, the only difference will be the use of
 poles in the NW group. Blinded researchers will conduct evaluations at baseline (T0),
 post-intervention (T1), and in one-month follow-up (T2).