ORIGINAL PAPER
Effects of 6-week Nordic walking training on body composition and antioxidant status for women > 55 years of age
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1
University of Physical Education, Kraków, Poland
(Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Department of Biological Regeneration and Posture Correction)
2
University of Physical Education, Kraków, Poland
(Faculty of Tourism and Leisure, Department of Recreation and Biological Regeneration)
3
University of Physical Education, Kraków, Poland
(Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry)
4
University of Physical Education, Kraków, Poland
(Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Department of Sport Medicine and Nutrition)
5
State Higher Vocational School in Nowy Sącz, Nowy Sącz, Poland
(Institute of Physical Culture)
Online publication date: 2017-03-06
Corresponding author
Agata Cebula
University of Physical Education, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Department of Biological Regeneration and Posture
Correction, al. Jana Pawła II 78, 31-571 Kraków, Poland
Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2017;30(3):445-54
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ABSTRACT
Objectives: This study examined the effects of 6-week Nordic walking (NW) workout with individually customized intensity,
on the body composition, and oxidative stress biomarkers for women > 55 years of age. Material and Methods: Sixteen
sedentary women (age 58.1±2.02 years old, body mass index (BMI) 26.74±2.72 kg/m2) worked out the NW 3 times/week
over the 6-week period. Training intensity, which reflected the dominance of oxygen metabolism, was determined based
on changes in physiological indicators during graded exercise on a treadmill (walking with poles). The body composition
and oxidative stress biomarkers in blood were measured before and after the exercise routine. Results: After the training
period, body weight, body fat percentage, body mass index and uric acid levels in serum decreased significantly (p < 0.05).
At the same time the plasma total antioxidant status increased considerably (p < 0.05), while the total oxidative status and
the oxidized low-density lipoproteins concentration levels did not change significantly (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Within a relatively short time, the Nordic walking with the customized intensity level focused on the dominance of fat metabolism,
decreased body fat and improved the blood antioxidant defense system for previously sedentary women. Int J Occup Med
Environ Health 2017;30(3):445–454