Comparison of Kinematic and Kinetic Characteristics of Nordic Walking on Sandy and Firm Ground

The purpose of this study was to compare the kinematic and kinetic characteristics of the lower extremities during Nordic walking on sand, which is used as a marine healing intervention, versus on firm ground. The study measured the range of motion of lower extremity joints, stance time, maximum vertical ground reaction force, and lower extremity joint moments on both sandy and firm ground in 18 healthy adults, and compared the results. Findings revealed that Nordic walking on sandy ground resulted in a significantly lower maximum vertical ground reaction force ( p = .001) compared to firm ground. In addition, significantly lower joint moments were observed on sandy ground: specifically, for flexion ( p < .001), extension ( p < .001), abduction ( p = .001), and external rotation ( p = .001) in hip joint moments; flexion ( p < .001), extension ( p < .001), abduction ( p < .001), internal rotation ( p < .001), and external rotation ( p < .001) in knee joint moments; and flexion ( p < .001), extension ( p < .001), adduction ( p < .001), abduction ( p < .001), internal rotation ( p = .007), and external rotation ( p < .001) in ankle joint moments. These findings suggest that Nordic walking on sandy surfaces may be considered an effective strategy to reduce joint loading in the lower extremities.