Best Mobility Aid: Walking Poles vs. Nordic & Trekking Poles

Maintaining mobility and activity levels in patients with balance issues is essential for their overall well-being. Falls are a leading cause of losing independence in older adults, making fall prevention a key priority. As healthcare providers, we must balance the need to reduce fall risks with keeping patients active. This is where ambulatory aids like walking, Nordic, and trekking poles can make a significant difference. In this post, we’ll review the benefits, differences, and sizing of these poles, and how to determine which is the best option for your patients.

1) Walking Poles: Stability and Confidence on the Go

Designed to provide stability, they can help patients maintain balance during walks. These poles are typically adjustable and feature ergonomic grips for comfort during extended use.

Benefits of Walking Poles:

- Enhanced Stability: By adding two extra points of contact it improves balance on uneven surfaces or during long walks.
- Reduced Joint Impact: By distributing body weight, they alleviate pressure on the lower back, hips, and knees, making them ideal for patients with arthritis or joint issues.
- Increased Confidence: Offering added stability, walking poles give patients confidence to walk further and navigate challenging surfaces, reducing their risk of falls.

2) Nordic Poles: A Full-Body Workout

Originally developed for cross-country skiing, Nordic poles engage the upper body through a specific technique, providing a more intense workout than walking poles. The poles are planted behind the body to propel the walker forward, requiring arm, core, and shoulder engagement.

Benefits of Nordic Poles:

- Full-Body Engagement: The poles activate muscles in the shoulders, arms, and core, offering a comprehensive workout that burns more calories and builds strength.
- Improved Cardiovascular Fitness: By involving the upper body, Nordic walking raises the heart rate, making it a more effective cardiovascular exercise than regular walking.
- Enhanced Posture: They encourage an upright posture, which is beneficial for patients with poor posture or those prone to slouching.

3) Trekking Poles: Versatility for All Terrains

Similar to walking poles but designed for rougher terrain, trekking poles are often used by hikers or those exploring rugged environments. Trekking poles offer versatility and durability for outdoor activities, providing extra support on uneven or steep surfaces.

Benefits of Trekking Poles:

- Adaptable for Varied Terrain: Perfect for hiking or navigating rough surfaces, trekking poles offer stability on uneven, rocky, or steep terrain.
- Shock Absorption: Many trekking poles feature shock absorbers to lessen the impact on joints, especially during descents.
- Versatile Adjustability: They are highly adjustable, enabling users to fine-tune their length for varying terrains.

Key Differences Between Walking, Nordic, and Trekking Poles

Each type of pole offers distinct benefits and is suited for different purposes:

- Walking Poles are primarily used for balance and stability during casual walks or on moderately uneven surfaces.
- Nordic Poles focus on providing a full-body workout and improving cardiovascular health through a specific technique that activates the upper body.
- Trekking Poles are designed for rugged outdoor terrain, offering extra support and shock absorption on steep or uneven ground.

Handle Differences: Comfort and Functionality

Handles are a crucial part of any walking aid, as they impact comfort and performance. Here’s how the handles differ among these poles:

- Walking Poles often have foam, cork, or rubber grips, designed to reduce hand fatigue during longer use. They focus on providing a secure hold to help maintain balance.
- Nordic Poles feature a strap or glove system that allows the user to release and re-grip the poles while walking. This system promotes the proper Nordic walking technique, maximizing upper-body engagement.
- Trekking Poles are built with durable handles and extended grips, ideal for controlling the poles on rugged terrain, especially during climbs or descents.

How to Size Walking, Nordic, and Trekking Poles

Proper sizing is key to the effectiveness and comfort of walking, Nordic, and trekking poles. Here’s how to size each type:

Sizing Walking Poles:

- These poles are usually adjustable. The patient should stand upright, with the elbow at a 90-degree angle when the pole tip touches the ground.

Sizing Nordic Poles:

- The elbow should form an angle slightly less than 90 degrees (100-110 degrees) when the patient holds the poles, allowing for the proper Nordic walking technique.

Sizing Trekking Poles:

- Trekking poles are highly adjustable. The 90-degree elbow rule applies here as well, ensuring comfort and stability. On uphill sections, poles may need to be shortened, while they should be lengthened for descents.

When to Choose Walking, Nordic, or Trekking Poles

- Walking Poles: Best for patients who need extra support and stability, particularly those with balance issues or joint pain.
- Nordic Poles: Ideal for patients seeking a low-impact, full-body workout. They’re perfect for those looking to improve cardiovascular fitness and posture.
- Trekking Poles: Suitable for adventurous patients navigating uneven or challenging terrain. These poles provide extra durability and versatility.

Conclusion

Walking, Nordic, and trekking poles offer valuable solutions for patients struggling with balance and mobility issues. By reducing fall risks while keeping patients active, these tools support overall health and independence. Understanding the differences and benefits of each type, along with proper sizing and handle designs, allows you to recommend the best option for each patient’s specific needs. Whether for increased stability, a full-body workout, or navigating rough terrain, these poles can play a vital role in keeping patients mobile and engaged in physical activity.