Effects of a nordic walking program on balance, cognitive function, and mobility in elderly women with knee osteoarthritis: 
A randomized controlled trial protocol

Panjalizad, Susan; Gandomi, Farzaneh; Sofivand, Parviz

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Effects of a nordic walking program on balance, cognitive function, and mobility in elderly women with knee osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled trial protocol

Susan Panjalizad

, Farzaneh Gandomi ^*

, Parviz Sofivand

Departement of Sport Injuries and Corrective Exercises, Sport Sciences Faculty, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran , gandomi777@gmail.com

Abstract: (14 Views)

Background and aims: Knee osteoarthritis is a prevalent chronic musculoskeletal condition among elderly women, significantly impairing their quality of life. Exercise interventions have demonstrated efficacy in alleviating symptoms associated with this condition. Nordic walking, a recently introduced exercise modality, has shown promise in addressing age-related disabilities. This study aims to evaluate the effects of a Nordic walking program on pain, motor function, and related disabilities in middle-aged women with knee osteoarthritis.
Methods: This randomized controlled clinical trial employs a parallel-group design. Forty-five middle-aged women (aged 45–65 years) diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis, meeting inclusion criteria and confirmed by a rheumatologist, will participate. Following baseline assessments, participants will be randomly allocated to one of three groups: Nordic walking (n=15), simple walking (n=15), or a control group (n=15). The experimental groups will undergo a 6-week walking intervention, consisting of three one-hour sessions per week, while the control group will receive Nordic walking training post-study. Intra-group and inter-group comparisons will be analyzed using a mixed-model repeated-measures ANOVA.
Conclusion: This research protocol aims to establish a standardized walking intervention to mitigate symptoms of knee osteoarthritis, including pain, motor dysfunction, and diminished quality of life, in affected individuals.

Keywords: knee osteoarthritis, Nordic walking, pain, posture balance, cognitive function

Full-Text [PDF 1752 kb] (5 Downloads)

Type of Study: Original | Subject: Military Psychiatry
Received: 2025/01/11 | Revised: 2025/09/20 | Accepted: 2025/07/1

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