Coronary artery disease is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in the developed world. This disease causes some secondary effects once it has passed, for example, by a myocardial infarction. Health professionals are looking for the best type of physical exercise that can remedy these side effects, emerging Nordic walking as a very interesting option.
Physical exercise and cardiovascular disease
Some of the side effects of myocardial infarction are a decreased functional capacity and a markedly low quality of life. Mental health is another factor that can be altered after a cardiovascular accident of this type. It is essential that a cardiac rehabilitation to reduce the severity of these symptoms as much as possible.
High intensity interval training (HIIT) versus moderate intensity training (MICT)
It may sound shocking, but the High intensity interval training (HIIT) is one of the best strategies to reduce cardiovascular disease mortality and improve mental health, superior even to moderate-intensity training.
Nordic walking has come into play
In the search for the best training option, an investigation has been carried out on the usefulness of Nordic walking on the functional capacity, depression and quality of life in patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation.
Nordic walking or Nordic walking resembles skiing without snow, in fact originated as training for cross-country skiers at times when there was no snow. It uses two special walking sticks, which go in rhythm with the steps taken.
This type of exercise consists of walk quickly while supporting the poles on the ground, partly to help us go faster and partly to engage the upper body in the exercise. Intensity can range from low-intensity rides to highly demanding brisk walks.
Nordic walking versus high-intensity interval training (HIIT)
These energetic Nordic walks have achieved superior results to high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate intensity. That finding was published a few months ago in the journal Progress in Cardiovascular Diseasesmaking this type of training an excellent option to improve the functional capacity, mental health and quality of life in general of people who have suffered a cardiovascular accident.
A couple of weeks ago, a new study, very similar to the previous one, confirmed that Nordic walking has superior benefits on functional capacityand can be compared in other positive effects to high-intensity interval training (HIIT).
Whether you have suffered a cardiovascular accident or not, energetic Nordic walking can be an interesting strategy to implement to take care of heart health and mental health, in disorders such as depression.
In Vitónica | The benefits of brisk walking: an exercise available to the entire population
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