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Trial Outcomes & Findings for Randomized Trial of Nordic Walking vs. Standard Cardiac Rehabilitation in Patients With Heart Failure (NCT NCT02061319)

NCT ID: NCT02061319

Last Updated: 2026-08-13

Results Overview

The 6 minute walk test was selected as a primary outcome because this sub-maximal test is a good indicator of the capacity to undertake day-to-day activities in patients with Heart Failure

Recruitment status

COMPLETED

Study phase

NA

Target enrollment

77 participants

Primary outcome timeframe

Baseline and 12 weeks.

Results posted on

2026-08-13

Participant Flow

Participant milestones

Participant milestones
Measure
Nordic Walking Group
Participants in the Nordic walking group will be provided with walking poles (GymstickTM Nordic Walking Poles, Gymstick International OY, Lahti, Finland) for the duration of the study. They will attend on-site exercise classes twice weekly for 12 weeks. The on-site exercise training classes will be one hour in length and include the following components: a 15 minute chair warm-up that excludes resistance exercises; 10-15 minutes of walking with Nordic walking poles for the first 3 weeks, progressing to 30 minutes of continuous walking with poles for the remaining 9 weeks; and 15 minutes of cool down exercises. Participants will be instructed to take the walking poles home and perform 200-400 minutes of Nordic walking per week for 12 weeks
Standard Exercise Therapy
Individuals assigned to standard exercise therapy will attend on-site exercise classes twice weekly for 12 weeks. Each on-site class will be one hour in duration and consist of: a 15-minute chair-based warm-up that includes 6-8 upper and lower body resistance training exercises using either hand-held weights or therabands at an intensity of 50-60% of 1- RM with the patient completing one set of 10-12 repetitions progressing to 15 repetitions before increasing the intensity by 5-10%; 10-15 minutes of walking for the first 3 weeks, progressing to 30 minutes of continuous walking for the remaining 9 weeks; and 15 minutes of cool down exercises. A strength training program will be provided to participants and they will be encouraged to do one additional strength training session at home. Participants will also be instructed to complete additional walking sessions at home so that they can accumulate a total of 200-400 minutes of exercise per week.
Overall Study
STARTED
38
38
Overall Study
COMPLETED
26
26
Overall Study
NOT COMPLETED
12
12

Reasons for withdrawal

Withdrawal data not reported

Baseline Characteristics

Race and Ethnicity were not collected from any participant.

Baseline characteristics by cohort

Baseline characteristics by cohort
Measure
Nordic Walking Group
n=38 Participants
Participants in the Nordic walking group will be provided with walking poles (GymstickTM Nordic Walking Poles, Gymstick International OY, Lahti, Finland) for the duration of the study. They will attend on-site exercise classes twice weekly for 12 weeks. The on-site exercise training classes will be one hour in length and include the following components: a 15 minute chair warm-up that excludes resistance exercises; 10-15 minutes of walking with Nordic walking poles for the first 3 weeks, progressing to 30 minutes of continuous walking with poles for the remaining 9 weeks; and 15 minutes of cool down exercises. Participants will be instructed to take the walking poles home and perform 200-400 minutes of Nordic walking per week for 12 weeks
Standard Exercise Therapy
n=38 Participants
Individuals assigned to standard exercise therapy will attend on-site exercise classes twice weekly for 12 weeks. Each on-site class will be one hour in duration and consist of: a 15-minute chair-based warm-up that includes 6-8 upper and lower body resistance training exercises using either hand-held weights or therabands at an intensity of 50-60% of 1- RM with the patient completing one set of 10-12 repetitions progressing to 15 repetitions before increasing the intensity by 5-10%; 10-15 minutes of walking for the first 3 weeks, progressing to 30 minutes of continuous walking for the remaining 9 weeks; and 15 minutes of cool down exercises. A strength training program will be provided to participants and they will be encouraged to do one additional strength training session at home. Participants will also be instructed to complete additional walking sessions at home so that they can accumulate a total of 200-400 minutes of exercise per week.
Total
n=76 Participants
Total of all reporting groups
Age, Continuous
64.0 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 9.8 • n=38 Participants
62.9 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 11.2 • n=38 Participants
63.5 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 10.5 • n=76 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
8 Participants
n=38 Participants
10 Participants
n=38 Participants
18 Participants
n=76 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
30 Participants
n=38 Participants
28 Participants
n=38 Participants
58 Participants
n=76 Participants
Race and Ethnicity Not Collected
—
—
0 Participants
Race and Ethnicity were not collected from any participant.

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline and 12 weeks.

Population: Due to loss to follow up and missing data, 26 of the 38 participants in each group were analyzed.

The 6 minute walk test was selected as a primary outcome because this sub-maximal test is a good indicator of the capacity to undertake day-to-day activities in patients with Heart Failure

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Nordic Walking Group
n=26 Participants
Participants in the Nordic walking group will be provided with walking poles (GymstickTM Nordic Walking Poles, Gymstick International OY, Lahti, Finland) for the duration of the study. They will attend on-site exercise classes twice weekly for 12 weeks. The on-site exercise training classes will be one hour in length and include the following components: a 15 minute chair warm-up that excludes resistance exercises; 10-15 minutes of walking with Nordic walking poles for the first 3 weeks, progressing to 30 minutes of continuous walking with poles for the remaining 9 weeks; and 15 minutes of cool down exercises. Participants will be instructed to take the walking poles home and perform 200-400 minutes of Nordic walking per week for 12 weeks
Standard Exercise Therapy
n=26 Participants
Individuals assigned to standard exercise therapy will attend on-site exercise classes twice weekly for 12 weeks. Each on-site class will be one hour in duration and consist of: a 15-minute chair-based warm-up that includes 6-8 upper and lower body resistance training exercises using either hand-held weights or therabands at an intensity of 50-60% of 1- RM with the patient completing one set of 10-12 repetitions progressing to 15 repetitions before increasing the intensity by 5-10%; 10-15 minutes of walking for the first 3 weeks, progressing to 30 minutes of continuous walking for the remaining 9 weeks; and 15 minutes of cool down exercises. A strength training program will be provided to participants and they will be encouraged to do one additional strength training session at home. Participants will also be instructed to complete additional walking sessions at home so that they can accumulate a total of 200-400 minutes of exercise per week.
Changes in Exercise Capacity Measured by 6 Minute Walk Test
Baseline
443.1 meters walked
Standard Deviation 17.2
437 meters walked
Standard Deviation 17.0
Changes in Exercise Capacity Measured by 6 Minute Walk Test
12 Weeks
511.2 meters walked
Standard Deviation 21.0
490.4 meters walked
Standard Deviation 20.7

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline and 12 weeks

The MLHFQ is a 21-item scale that measures the effects of HF-related symptoms, functional limitations, and psychological distress on an individual's quality of life. Participants are asked to indicate using a 6-point, zero to five, Likert scale how much each of 21 factors prevent them from living as they desire. Each item is scored 0-5, and the total scores is the summed score of all items, totaling 0 - 105. Higher scores represent lower quality of life.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Nordic Walking Group
n=26 Participants
Participants in the Nordic walking group will be provided with walking poles (GymstickTM Nordic Walking Poles, Gymstick International OY, Lahti, Finland) for the duration of the study. They will attend on-site exercise classes twice weekly for 12 weeks. The on-site exercise training classes will be one hour in length and include the following components: a 15 minute chair warm-up that excludes resistance exercises; 10-15 minutes of walking with Nordic walking poles for the first 3 weeks, progressing to 30 minutes of continuous walking with poles for the remaining 9 weeks; and 15 minutes of cool down exercises. Participants will be instructed to take the walking poles home and perform 200-400 minutes of Nordic walking per week for 12 weeks
Standard Exercise Therapy
n=26 Participants
Individuals assigned to standard exercise therapy will attend on-site exercise classes twice weekly for 12 weeks. Each on-site class will be one hour in duration and consist of: a 15-minute chair-based warm-up that includes 6-8 upper and lower body resistance training exercises using either hand-held weights or therabands at an intensity of 50-60% of 1- RM with the patient completing one set of 10-12 repetitions progressing to 15 repetitions before increasing the intensity by 5-10%; 10-15 minutes of walking for the first 3 weeks, progressing to 30 minutes of continuous walking for the remaining 9 weeks; and 15 minutes of cool down exercises. A strength training program will be provided to participants and they will be encouraged to do one additional strength training session at home. Participants will also be instructed to complete additional walking sessions at home so that they can accumulate a total of 200-400 minutes of exercise per week.
Minnesota Living With Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ)
12 weeks
20.8 Score on a scale (total)
Standard Deviation 3.0
19.6 Score on a scale (total)
Standard Deviation 3.2
Minnesota Living With Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ)
Baseline
33.5 Score on a scale (total)
Standard Deviation 3.5
33.9 Score on a scale (total)
Standard Deviation 3.5

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline and 12 weeks

Total scale is split into 2 subscales: physical component summary (PCS) and mental composition summary (MCS). Each subscale ranges from 0-100. Higher scores represent better quality of life.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Nordic Walking Group
n=26 Participants
Participants in the Nordic walking group will be provided with walking poles (GymstickTM Nordic Walking Poles, Gymstick International OY, Lahti, Finland) for the duration of the study. They will attend on-site exercise classes twice weekly for 12 weeks. The on-site exercise training classes will be one hour in length and include the following components: a 15 minute chair warm-up that excludes resistance exercises; 10-15 minutes of walking with Nordic walking poles for the first 3 weeks, progressing to 30 minutes of continuous walking with poles for the remaining 9 weeks; and 15 minutes of cool down exercises. Participants will be instructed to take the walking poles home and perform 200-400 minutes of Nordic walking per week for 12 weeks
Standard Exercise Therapy
n=26 Participants
Individuals assigned to standard exercise therapy will attend on-site exercise classes twice weekly for 12 weeks. Each on-site class will be one hour in duration and consist of: a 15-minute chair-based warm-up that includes 6-8 upper and lower body resistance training exercises using either hand-held weights or therabands at an intensity of 50-60% of 1- RM with the patient completing one set of 10-12 repetitions progressing to 15 repetitions before increasing the intensity by 5-10%; 10-15 minutes of walking for the first 3 weeks, progressing to 30 minutes of continuous walking for the remaining 9 weeks; and 15 minutes of cool down exercises. A strength training program will be provided to participants and they will be encouraged to do one additional strength training session at home. Participants will also be instructed to complete additional walking sessions at home so that they can accumulate a total of 200-400 minutes of exercise per week.
Health Related Quality of Live Using the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form (SF-36)
Baseline PCS subscale
43.1 Scores on subscales
Standard Deviation 1.3
41.9 Scores on subscales
Standard Deviation 1.3
Health Related Quality of Live Using the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form (SF-36)
Baseline MCS subscale
50.6 Scores on subscales
Standard Deviation 1.6
47.6 Scores on subscales
Standard Deviation 1.6
Health Related Quality of Live Using the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form (SF-36)
12 Weeks PCS subscale
47.5 Scores on subscales
Standard Deviation 1.4
46.7 Scores on subscales
Standard Deviation 1.5
Health Related Quality of Live Using the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form (SF-36)
12 Weeks MCS subscale
52.2 Scores on subscales
Standard Deviation 1.4
55.0 Scores on subscales
Standard Deviation 1.5

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline and 12 weeks

Split into 2 subscales: anxiety and depression. Each subscale has 7 items, scored from 0-3, with the total score of each subscale being 0-21 each. Higher scores indicate greater anxiety or depression. 0-7 indicates a normal range.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Nordic Walking Group
n=26 Participants
Participants in the Nordic walking group will be provided with walking poles (GymstickTM Nordic Walking Poles, Gymstick International OY, Lahti, Finland) for the duration of the study. They will attend on-site exercise classes twice weekly for 12 weeks. The on-site exercise training classes will be one hour in length and include the following components: a 15 minute chair warm-up that excludes resistance exercises; 10-15 minutes of walking with Nordic walking poles for the first 3 weeks, progressing to 30 minutes of continuous walking with poles for the remaining 9 weeks; and 15 minutes of cool down exercises. Participants will be instructed to take the walking poles home and perform 200-400 minutes of Nordic walking per week for 12 weeks
Standard Exercise Therapy
n=26 Participants
Individuals assigned to standard exercise therapy will attend on-site exercise classes twice weekly for 12 weeks. Each on-site class will be one hour in duration and consist of: a 15-minute chair-based warm-up that includes 6-8 upper and lower body resistance training exercises using either hand-held weights or therabands at an intensity of 50-60% of 1- RM with the patient completing one set of 10-12 repetitions progressing to 15 repetitions before increasing the intensity by 5-10%; 10-15 minutes of walking for the first 3 weeks, progressing to 30 minutes of continuous walking for the remaining 9 weeks; and 15 minutes of cool down exercises. A strength training program will be provided to participants and they will be encouraged to do one additional strength training session at home. Participants will also be instructed to complete additional walking sessions at home so that they can accumulate a total of 200-400 minutes of exercise per week.
Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)
Baseline HADS anxiety subscale
4.8 Score on a subscale
Standard Deviation 0.7
5.2 Score on a subscale
Standard Deviation 0.7
Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)
Baseline HADS depression subscale
4.0 Score on a subscale
Standard Deviation 0.5
4.3 Score on a subscale
Standard Deviation 0.4
Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)
12 Weeks HADS anxiety subscale
4.1 Score on a subscale
Standard Deviation 0.6
4.2 Score on a subscale
Standard Deviation 0.6
Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)
12 Weeks HADS depression subscale
3.2 Score on a subscale
Standard Deviation 0.4
2.7 Score on a subscale
Standard Deviation 0.4

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline and 12 weeks

Physical activity includes any type of exercise. For example, walking, swimming, biking etc. Identification of "light", "moderate" or "vigourous" activity is determined by the participant based on perceived effort. Results are collected from exercise journals.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Nordic Walking Group
n=26 Participants
Participants in the Nordic walking group will be provided with walking poles (GymstickTM Nordic Walking Poles, Gymstick International OY, Lahti, Finland) for the duration of the study. They will attend on-site exercise classes twice weekly for 12 weeks. The on-site exercise training classes will be one hour in length and include the following components: a 15 minute chair warm-up that excludes resistance exercises; 10-15 minutes of walking with Nordic walking poles for the first 3 weeks, progressing to 30 minutes of continuous walking with poles for the remaining 9 weeks; and 15 minutes of cool down exercises. Participants will be instructed to take the walking poles home and perform 200-400 minutes of Nordic walking per week for 12 weeks
Standard Exercise Therapy
n=26 Participants
Individuals assigned to standard exercise therapy will attend on-site exercise classes twice weekly for 12 weeks. Each on-site class will be one hour in duration and consist of: a 15-minute chair-based warm-up that includes 6-8 upper and lower body resistance training exercises using either hand-held weights or therabands at an intensity of 50-60% of 1- RM with the patient completing one set of 10-12 repetitions progressing to 15 repetitions before increasing the intensity by 5-10%; 10-15 minutes of walking for the first 3 weeks, progressing to 30 minutes of continuous walking for the remaining 9 weeks; and 15 minutes of cool down exercises. A strength training program will be provided to participants and they will be encouraged to do one additional strength training session at home. Participants will also be instructed to complete additional walking sessions at home so that they can accumulate a total of 200-400 minutes of exercise per week.
Physical Activity
Baseline - Light Physical Activity
261.4 minutes per day
Standard Deviation 15.9
253.0 minutes per day
Standard Deviation 14.9
Physical Activity
Baseline - Moderate Physical Activity
22.1 minutes per day
Standard Deviation 3.2
18.0 minutes per day
Standard Deviation 3.0
Physical Activity
Baseline - Vigorous Physical Activity
1.4 minutes per day
Standard Deviation 0.8
1.0 minutes per day
Standard Deviation 0.8
Physical Activity
Baseline Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity (Unbouted)
23.5 minutes per day
Standard Deviation 3.4
19.0 minutes per day
Standard Deviation 3.2
Physical Activity
Baseline Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity (bouted)
11.7 minutes per day
Standard Deviation 2.3
7.2 minutes per day
Standard Deviation 2.2
Physical Activity
12 Weeks - Light Physical Activity
268.5 minutes per day
Standard Deviation 14.9
254.9 minutes per day
Standard Deviation 14.9
Physical Activity
12 Weeks - Moderate Physical Activity
24.1 minutes per day
Standard Deviation 4.1
22.2 minutes per day
Standard Deviation 4.3
Physical Activity
12 Weeks - Vigorous Physical Activity
2.1 minutes per day
Standard Deviation 0.7
0.4 minutes per day
Standard Deviation 0.8
Physical Activity
12 Weeks - Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity (Unbouted)
23.5 minutes per day
Standard Deviation 3.4
19.0 minutes per day
Standard Deviation 3.2
Physical Activity
12 Weeks - Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity (bouted)
14.6 minutes per day
Standard Deviation 3.5
12.1 minutes per day
Standard Deviation 3.7

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline and 12 weeks

The left ventricular filling pressure is the pressure inside the left ventricle of the heart during the resting phase of the heart beat when the chamber fills with blood. It is assessed by echocardiography and calculate as an E/e' ratio, where E = the peak velocity of early diastolic blood flow across the mitral valve, and e' = the peak velocity of mitral valve annulus during early diastole, which is a measure of how fast the heart muscle relaxes. Valus \<8 are considered normal, 8-14 indicates potentially normal, but is baseline and requires further evaluation and \>/= 15 suggests elevated pressures and presence of diastolic dysfunction or heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Nordic Walking Group
n=26 Participants
Participants in the Nordic walking group will be provided with walking poles (GymstickTM Nordic Walking Poles, Gymstick International OY, Lahti, Finland) for the duration of the study. They will attend on-site exercise classes twice weekly for 12 weeks. The on-site exercise training classes will be one hour in length and include the following components: a 15 minute chair warm-up that excludes resistance exercises; 10-15 minutes of walking with Nordic walking poles for the first 3 weeks, progressing to 30 minutes of continuous walking with poles for the remaining 9 weeks; and 15 minutes of cool down exercises. Participants will be instructed to take the walking poles home and perform 200-400 minutes of Nordic walking per week for 12 weeks
Standard Exercise Therapy
n=26 Participants
Individuals assigned to standard exercise therapy will attend on-site exercise classes twice weekly for 12 weeks. Each on-site class will be one hour in duration and consist of: a 15-minute chair-based warm-up that includes 6-8 upper and lower body resistance training exercises using either hand-held weights or therabands at an intensity of 50-60% of 1- RM with the patient completing one set of 10-12 repetitions progressing to 15 repetitions before increasing the intensity by 5-10%; 10-15 minutes of walking for the first 3 weeks, progressing to 30 minutes of continuous walking for the remaining 9 weeks; and 15 minutes of cool down exercises. A strength training program will be provided to participants and they will be encouraged to do one additional strength training session at home. Participants will also be instructed to complete additional walking sessions at home so that they can accumulate a total of 200-400 minutes of exercise per week.
Left Ventricular Filling Pressures
Baseline
16.1 E/e' ratio
Standard Deviation 2.5
10.4 E/e' ratio
Standard Deviation 1.8
Left Ventricular Filling Pressures
12 Weeks
14.9 E/e' ratio
Standard Deviation 2.0
8.5 E/e' ratio
Standard Deviation 1.3

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline and 12 weeks

assessed using CPET

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Nordic Walking Group
n=26 Participants
Participants in the Nordic walking group will be provided with walking poles (GymstickTM Nordic Walking Poles, Gymstick International OY, Lahti, Finland) for the duration of the study. They will attend on-site exercise classes twice weekly for 12 weeks. The on-site exercise training classes will be one hour in length and include the following components: a 15 minute chair warm-up that excludes resistance exercises; 10-15 minutes of walking with Nordic walking poles for the first 3 weeks, progressing to 30 minutes of continuous walking with poles for the remaining 9 weeks; and 15 minutes of cool down exercises. Participants will be instructed to take the walking poles home and perform 200-400 minutes of Nordic walking per week for 12 weeks
Standard Exercise Therapy
n=26 Participants
Individuals assigned to standard exercise therapy will attend on-site exercise classes twice weekly for 12 weeks. Each on-site class will be one hour in duration and consist of: a 15-minute chair-based warm-up that includes 6-8 upper and lower body resistance training exercises using either hand-held weights or therabands at an intensity of 50-60% of 1- RM with the patient completing one set of 10-12 repetitions progressing to 15 repetitions before increasing the intensity by 5-10%; 10-15 minutes of walking for the first 3 weeks, progressing to 30 minutes of continuous walking for the remaining 9 weeks; and 15 minutes of cool down exercises. A strength training program will be provided to participants and they will be encouraged to do one additional strength training session at home. Participants will also be instructed to complete additional walking sessions at home so that they can accumulate a total of 200-400 minutes of exercise per week.
Cardiopulmonary Fitness by VO2 Peak
Baseline
15.2 ml/kg/min
Standard Deviation 1.3
17.8 ml/kg/min
Standard Deviation 1.1
Cardiopulmonary Fitness by VO2 Peak
12 Weeks
13.0 ml/kg/min
Standard Deviation 1.7
17.7 ml/kg/min
Standard Deviation 1.2

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline and 12 weeks

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Nordic Walking Group
n=26 Participants
Participants in the Nordic walking group will be provided with walking poles (GymstickTM Nordic Walking Poles, Gymstick International OY, Lahti, Finland) for the duration of the study. They will attend on-site exercise classes twice weekly for 12 weeks. The on-site exercise training classes will be one hour in length and include the following components: a 15 minute chair warm-up that excludes resistance exercises; 10-15 minutes of walking with Nordic walking poles for the first 3 weeks, progressing to 30 minutes of continuous walking with poles for the remaining 9 weeks; and 15 minutes of cool down exercises. Participants will be instructed to take the walking poles home and perform 200-400 minutes of Nordic walking per week for 12 weeks
Standard Exercise Therapy
n=26 Participants
Individuals assigned to standard exercise therapy will attend on-site exercise classes twice weekly for 12 weeks. Each on-site class will be one hour in duration and consist of: a 15-minute chair-based warm-up that includes 6-8 upper and lower body resistance training exercises using either hand-held weights or therabands at an intensity of 50-60% of 1- RM with the patient completing one set of 10-12 repetitions progressing to 15 repetitions before increasing the intensity by 5-10%; 10-15 minutes of walking for the first 3 weeks, progressing to 30 minutes of continuous walking for the remaining 9 weeks; and 15 minutes of cool down exercises. A strength training program will be provided to participants and they will be encouraged to do one additional strength training session at home. Participants will also be instructed to complete additional walking sessions at home so that they can accumulate a total of 200-400 minutes of exercise per week.
Body Mass Index
Baseline
30.5 kg/m^2
Standard Deviation 1.1
30.5 kg/m^2
Standard Deviation 1.1
Body Mass Index
12 Weeks
31.1 kg/m^2
Standard Deviation 1.1
30.7 kg/m^2
Standard Deviation 1.1

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline and 12 weeks

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Nordic Walking Group
n=26 Participants
Participants in the Nordic walking group will be provided with walking poles (GymstickTM Nordic Walking Poles, Gymstick International OY, Lahti, Finland) for the duration of the study. They will attend on-site exercise classes twice weekly for 12 weeks. The on-site exercise training classes will be one hour in length and include the following components: a 15 minute chair warm-up that excludes resistance exercises; 10-15 minutes of walking with Nordic walking poles for the first 3 weeks, progressing to 30 minutes of continuous walking with poles for the remaining 9 weeks; and 15 minutes of cool down exercises. Participants will be instructed to take the walking poles home and perform 200-400 minutes of Nordic walking per week for 12 weeks
Standard Exercise Therapy
n=26 Participants
Individuals assigned to standard exercise therapy will attend on-site exercise classes twice weekly for 12 weeks. Each on-site class will be one hour in duration and consist of: a 15-minute chair-based warm-up that includes 6-8 upper and lower body resistance training exercises using either hand-held weights or therabands at an intensity of 50-60% of 1- RM with the patient completing one set of 10-12 repetitions progressing to 15 repetitions before increasing the intensity by 5-10%; 10-15 minutes of walking for the first 3 weeks, progressing to 30 minutes of continuous walking for the remaining 9 weeks; and 15 minutes of cool down exercises. A strength training program will be provided to participants and they will be encouraged to do one additional strength training session at home. Participants will also be instructed to complete additional walking sessions at home so that they can accumulate a total of 200-400 minutes of exercise per week.
Calf Circumference
Baseline
38.1 centimeters
Standard Deviation 0.7
38.3 centimeters
Standard Deviation 0.7
Calf Circumference
12 Weeks
37.9 centimeters
Standard Deviation 0.7
38.4 centimeters
Standard Deviation 0.7

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline and 12 weeks

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Nordic Walking Group
n=26 Participants
Participants in the Nordic walking group will be provided with walking poles (GymstickTM Nordic Walking Poles, Gymstick International OY, Lahti, Finland) for the duration of the study. They will attend on-site exercise classes twice weekly for 12 weeks. The on-site exercise training classes will be one hour in length and include the following components: a 15 minute chair warm-up that excludes resistance exercises; 10-15 minutes of walking with Nordic walking poles for the first 3 weeks, progressing to 30 minutes of continuous walking with poles for the remaining 9 weeks; and 15 minutes of cool down exercises. Participants will be instructed to take the walking poles home and perform 200-400 minutes of Nordic walking per week for 12 weeks
Standard Exercise Therapy
n=26 Participants
Individuals assigned to standard exercise therapy will attend on-site exercise classes twice weekly for 12 weeks. Each on-site class will be one hour in duration and consist of: a 15-minute chair-based warm-up that includes 6-8 upper and lower body resistance training exercises using either hand-held weights or therabands at an intensity of 50-60% of 1- RM with the patient completing one set of 10-12 repetitions progressing to 15 repetitions before increasing the intensity by 5-10%; 10-15 minutes of walking for the first 3 weeks, progressing to 30 minutes of continuous walking for the remaining 9 weeks; and 15 minutes of cool down exercises. A strength training program will be provided to participants and they will be encouraged to do one additional strength training session at home. Participants will also be instructed to complete additional walking sessions at home so that they can accumulate a total of 200-400 minutes of exercise per week.
Waist Circumference
Baseline
106.1 centimeters
Standard Deviation 2.8
108.9 centimeters
Standard Deviation 2.8
Waist Circumference
12 Weeks
107.9 centimeters
Standard Deviation 2.9
109.9 centimeters
Standard Deviation 2.9

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline and 12 weeks

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Nordic Walking Group
n=26 Participants
Participants in the Nordic walking group will be provided with walking poles (GymstickTM Nordic Walking Poles, Gymstick International OY, Lahti, Finland) for the duration of the study. They will attend on-site exercise classes twice weekly for 12 weeks. The on-site exercise training classes will be one hour in length and include the following components: a 15 minute chair warm-up that excludes resistance exercises; 10-15 minutes of walking with Nordic walking poles for the first 3 weeks, progressing to 30 minutes of continuous walking with poles for the remaining 9 weeks; and 15 minutes of cool down exercises. Participants will be instructed to take the walking poles home and perform 200-400 minutes of Nordic walking per week for 12 weeks
Standard Exercise Therapy
n=26 Participants
Individuals assigned to standard exercise therapy will attend on-site exercise classes twice weekly for 12 weeks. Each on-site class will be one hour in duration and consist of: a 15-minute chair-based warm-up that includes 6-8 upper and lower body resistance training exercises using either hand-held weights or therabands at an intensity of 50-60% of 1- RM with the patient completing one set of 10-12 repetitions progressing to 15 repetitions before increasing the intensity by 5-10%; 10-15 minutes of walking for the first 3 weeks, progressing to 30 minutes of continuous walking for the remaining 9 weeks; and 15 minutes of cool down exercises. A strength training program will be provided to participants and they will be encouraged to do one additional strength training session at home. Participants will also be instructed to complete additional walking sessions at home so that they can accumulate a total of 200-400 minutes of exercise per week.
Blood Levels of N-terminal Pro B-type Natriuretic Peptide (NTproBNP)
Baseline
2212.7 pg/mL
Standard Deviation 797.7
3022.5 pg/mL
Standard Deviation 816.2
Blood Levels of N-terminal Pro B-type Natriuretic Peptide (NTproBNP)
12 Weeks
1450.3 pg/mL
Standard Deviation 471.2
1679.8 pg/mL
Standard Deviation 482.3

Adverse Events

Nordic Walking Group

Serious events: 0 serious events
Other events: 3 other events
Deaths: 0 deaths

Standard Exercise Therapy

Serious events: 0 serious events
Other events: 1 other events
Deaths: 0 deaths

Serious adverse events

Adverse event data not reported

Other adverse events

Other adverse events
Measure
Nordic Walking Group
n=26 participants at risk
Participants in the Nordic walking group will be provided with walking poles (GymstickTM Nordic Walking Poles, Gymstick International OY, Lahti, Finland) for the duration of the study. They will attend on-site exercise classes twice weekly for 12 weeks. The on-site exercise training classes will be one hour in length and include the following components: a 15 minute chair warm-up that excludes resistance exercises; 10-15 minutes of walking with Nordic walking poles for the first 3 weeks, progressing to 30 minutes of continuous walking with poles for the remaining 9 weeks; and 15 minutes of cool down exercises. Participants will be instructed to take the walking poles home and perform 200-400 minutes of Nordic walking per week for 12 weeks
Standard Exercise Therapy
n=26 participants at risk
Individuals assigned to standard exercise therapy will attend on-site exercise classes twice weekly for 12 weeks. Each on-site class will be one hour in duration and consist of: a 15-minute chair-based warm-up that includes 6-8 upper and lower body resistance training exercises using either hand-held weights or therabands at an intensity of 50-60% of 1- RM with the patient completing one set of 10-12 repetitions progressing to 15 repetitions before increasing the intensity by 5-10%; 10-15 minutes of walking for the first 3 weeks, progressing to 30 minutes of continuous walking for the remaining 9 weeks; and 15 minutes of cool down exercises. A strength training program will be provided to participants and they will be encouraged to do one additional strength training session at home. Participants will also be instructed to complete additional walking sessions at home so that they can accumulate a total of 200-400 minutes of exercise per week.
General disorders
Event unrelated to intervention
11.5%
3/26 • Baseline to 12 weeks
3.8%
1/26 • Baseline to 12 weeks

Additional Information

Dr. Robert Reid

University of Ottawa Heart Institute

Phone: 6136967000

Results disclosure agreements

  • Principal investigator is a sponsor employee
  • Publication restrictions are in place