Nordic Walking Training Program for Sustaining Independent Walking in Older Adult Evacuees

The purpose of this pilot study is to examine the effect and feasibility of a Nordic walking group training intervention on the physical and mental health of older adults evacuated from their homes to Haifa. Participants: The study will include 31 participants aged 65 and over who are in stable health and have been cleared by their physician to participate in this NW program. Intervention: The intervention will consist of two 60-minute Nordic walking (NW) sessions per week for two months, 16 sessions in total. Participants will be provided with walking sticks to use during the sessions. The sessions will be led by certified health professionals (PT, RN), assisted by trained undergraduate and graduate physiotherapy students. Outcomes: The primary outcome will be endurance to the walking sessions, and average weekly and monthly number of steps, measured by a smartphone application. Secondary outcomes will include three physical tests: 30-second sit-to-stand test, 4-meter walk test and heel raise test. mental health (PHQ-9 depression scale, GAD-7 anxiety scale, WHOQOL- BREF quality of life scale, PANAS short form positive and negative affect scale), and perceived global effect of the intervention. Design: The study will use a single-group pre-test/post-test design. Participants will be assessed at baseline, after two months of intervention, and at six months follow-up. Data Analysis: Data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics and mixed-effects linear regression models. Significance: This pilot study will provide valuable information on the feasibility and effect of this group NW intervention for older adults evacuated from their homes. The findings will be used to plan and design a larger longitudinal RCT.