The purpose of this study was to clarify the difference between exercise intensity of Poles Walking and Nordic Walking in order to prescribe appropriate exercise for older adults. Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare in Japan recently has reported that walking is safe and effective exercise to maintain good health status and it became popular especially among older adults. Former studies showed that both Poles Walking and Nordic Walking were up to 20 percent more effective and up to 46 percent more calories were burned than ordinary walking. Comparing with ordinary walking, two types of walking exercises were considered as exercise to enhance whole body conditioning activity with little stress on arms, middle trunk, back, hip, and legs. Poles are used for both Poles walking and Nordic Walking and using these poles has two benefits. Firstly, the poles help walkers properly. Secondly, the upper body muscles are used as well as the legs by using poles. In Poles Walking, the walkers use poles anterior of their bodies. On the other hand, in Nordic Walking, the walkers use poles posterior of their bodies. In conclusion, Poles Walking was easy to use poles and exercise intensity was lower than Nordic Walking. Therefore, it was suitable for frail older adults. Nordic Walking was considered that it was appropriate for elderly who does not have physical problem.

実践研究