Walking is great exercise on its own, but researchers at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute have found that the simple addition of poles can provide even more health benefits.
Nordic walking, as it is called, originated in Finland where it is common, said scientist Jennifer Reed, who directs the institute's exercise physiology and cardiovascular health laboratory.
"We found all three types of exercise were beneficial in improving different types of health. That includes quality of life and mental health," said Terada. "Nordic walking … involves the upper body and it probably helps in terms of balance regulation, so dynamic balance, stability and maybe increases the stride length when patients walk, so that may have had a positive effect on walking capacity as well," said Terada.None of this was a surprise to Barb Gormley, director of education for the company Urban Poling and a nordic walking teacher in Toronto.