OBJECTIVES
Patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) often experience pain and functional limitations, leading to muscle weakness, reduced physical function, and difficulties in daily life. These impairments contribute to increased sedentary behavior, further accelerating functional decline and elevating the risk of chronic diseases. Beach Nordic Walking (BW) performed with Nordic poles on sand, may alleviate pain and reduce the risk of injury by distributing body weight and utilizing the shock-absorbing properties of the sand surface. This study aimed to investigate the effects of an 8-week BW program on functional fitness, muscle function, and balance in patients with KOA.
METHODS
Thirty elderly women with KOA were randomly assigned to a BW group (BWG=15) or a control group (CG=15). BW was performed three times a week on the beach for eight weeks. Functional fitness was assessed using the Senior Fitness Test (SFT) before and after the intervention. Muscle function was evaluated by measuring the peak torque of the knee extensors and flexors with Biodex System 3. Balance performance was assessed with the Single-Leg Stance (SLS) test.
RESULTS
Compared with CG, BWG showed significant improvements in functional fitness, including upper and lower body strength (p < .001), cardiorespiratory endurance (p < .001), lower body flexibility (p < .05), and agility (p < .01). Muscle function also improved, with increases in knee extension at 60°/s (p < .05) and flexion at 60°/s (p < .01) and 180°/s (p < .01). Balance performance significantly improved only in BWG (p < .01). No significant changes were observed in CG.
CONCLUSION
The findings suggest that BW is an effective intervention for improving functional fitness, muscular function, and balance in elderly women with KOA.