Spine Kinematic Alterations in Nordic Walking Under Two Different Speeds of 3 and 5 km/h—A Pilot Study

The key finding of the study is that Nordic walking significantly alters the angular kinematic pattern of spinal movement as it revealed significant differences in all five measured parameters when compared to normal walking. Notably, the most pronounced changes were observed in the upper spine and pelvis motion. Additionally, Nordic walking increased stance phase duration and velocity: (i) significantly increased the duration of the stance phase in all three planes of motion; (ii) significantly increased the velocity during the stance phase across all three planes. These reported findings highlight the biomechanical, preventive, therapeutic, and rehabilitative potential of Nordic walking.