Coronary heart disease: This sport improves cardiac output most effectively

Targeted training programs help people with coronary artery disease (CHD) to improve the heart’s performance.

Monotonous exercises such as stationary cycling are often carried out for this purpose. However, a Canadian research team has now shown that better results can be achieved with Nordic Walking.

Researchers at the University of Ottawa in Canada have shown in a recent study that Nordic Walking improves cardiac output better than any other form of exercise used for cardiovascular rehabilitation. The research results were recently published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology.

Consequences of coronary heart disease

“Patients with coronary heart disease often show reduced functional capacity, a poor quality of life and an increased risk of later cardiovascular events and mortality,” explains study leader Dr. Jennifer L Reed.

A rehabilitation program is therefore important for those with heart disease. Significant improvements in fitness and mental health are often achieved in rehabilitation.

After rehabilitation, many people lose their motivation to exercise again quickly. One reason is that many people simply don’t enjoy performing monotonous forms of exercise.

Alternative to conventional training

Previous research has suggested that non-conventional exercise such as high-intensity interval training and Nordic walking also help improve the heart’s functional capacity.

Nordic walking is a sportier variation of walking that uses special walking sticks that work the upper and lower body muscles as you walk.

Nordic walking compared to conventional training

In the current study, the Canadian research team compared for the first time over a 12-week period how alternative rehabilitation programs with Nord Walking compare to conventional training programs.

For this purpose, three groups with a total of 130 participants received a 12-week rehabilitation measure, which was characterized either by high-intensity interval training, by continuous training of medium to high intensity or by Nordic walking.

All subjects were then followed up for a period of 14 weeks.

Results of the study

All three training programs improved the depressive symptoms of those affected to the same extent. Likewise, the quality of life of the participants improved through all three programs in a similar way.

When comparing the functional capacity, i.e. the cardiac output, different results were obtained.

While the groups with high-intensity interval training and continuous training at medium to high intensity increased their heart output by an average of 12 to 13 percent, the participants with Nordic walking were able to increase their heart output by 19 percent.

“This is an important finding, as lower functional capacity predicts a higher risk of future cardiovascular events in people with coronary artery disease,” emphasizes Dr. reed

Why was Nordic walking the most effective?

“Nordic walking engages the core, upper and lower body muscles while reducing stress on the knee, which may have led to a greater improvement in functional capacity,” the study leader suggests.

According to the researchers, Nordic walking is a simple, accessible option to improve walking ability, increase energy expenditure, exercise upper body muscles and improve other functional parameters such as posture, gait and balance.