The influence of environmental factors on the quantitative parameters of Nordic walking and the physiological cost of physical education and health activities in middle-aged women

The purpose of the study is to determine the impact of weather temperature conditions on the quantitative parameters of Nordic walking and the physiological cost of physical education and health activities for women of middle-aged to older adulthood living in the northern region. Research methods and organization. Analysis and synthesis of scientific and methodological literature, examination of self-monitoring diaries, heart rate monitoring, and mathematical-statistical processing of results were applied. The study was conducted from February to June 2025 in Nizhnevartovsk (Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug–Yugra). The subjects were women independently engaged in Nordic walking. Research results and conclusions. Engaging in physical activity in conditions of low air temperature leads to an increased expenditure of physiological reserves in individuals practicing Nordic walking, manifested by higher heart rate values compared to activities conducted in comfortable conditions. An insufficient level of physical fitness does not allow for fully achieving the health benefits of independent Nordic walking sessions under mildly and moderately frosty weather conditions. The observed increase in step frequency during the cold season, while maintaining walking speed, requires further investigation. The obtained data should be taken into account when developing individualized physical education and health activities for older adults residing in northern regions.