Endurance and Walking Training by Nordic Walking in Multiple Sclerosis

Walking capacity is one of the most valuable body functions among persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) and it is one of the most frequently affected, even in early stages of the disease. Inactivity and deconditioning can accelerate gait impairment and promote other pathologies related with sedentary lifestyle. Nordic walking (NW) is a fun and effective fitness and rehabilitation activity. The benefits of NW have been extensively described in healthy and elderly population (Tschentscher, 2013; Kappor, 2013) and it is proving to be highly recommended to different neurological conditions, specially to Parkinson Disease (Reuter 2006; van Eijkeren 2008; Fritz 2011; Ebersbach 2014). There is no evidence on NW and MS, although it's supposed to be an ideal physical activity for many reasons: it tones the upper and lower body at the same time, uses 90% of the skeletal muscles, burns up to 46% more calories than ordinary walking, reduces the pressure on knees and joints, poles propel the walker along easier and faster and it is one of the most effective cross training techniques for people who require improve cardiovascular and endurance conditioning.