A French team from the University of Gre...

A French team from the University of Grenoble Alpes (UGA) – Nicolas Termoz, Elyott Depery, and Gabriel Lorenzi – conducted an original study devoted to the impact of pole geometry on Nordic walking locomotion and participants’ perceptions. Until now, scientific work on Nordic walking had focused mainly on comparisons between conventional walking and Nordic walking, or on parameters such as energy expenditure, muscle activation, and gait economy. No research had specifically examined the influence of an innovative pole geometry. The introduction of curved MØNARC® poles, with a design distinct from the traditional straight tube, raised new questions within the Nordic walking community. Practitioners, instructors, and clubs needed objective data to assess the relevance of this innovation. The UGA study provides rigorous, evidence-based answers. https://www.monarc-nordic.com/ ⸻ 𝗔 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗼𝗿𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗼𝗰𝗼𝗹 Eight experienced Nordic walkers (four women and four men, mean age 64.5 years) took part in the experiment. Their weekly training volume exceeded twenty kilometers on average, ensuring sufficient technical proficiency to minimize learning bias. The protocol was carried out on a running track under controlled conditions, with two reference speeds: 5 km/h and 6 km/h. These speeds were chosen to reflect realistic Nordic walking paces, both recreational and more sustained. Each participant completed five 500-meter sequences: walking without poles, walking with straight poles at 5 km/h, walking with straight poles at 6 km/h, walking with curved poles at 5 km/h, and walking with curved poles at 6 km/h. The order of trials was randomized to avoid fatigue effects. Speed was strictly regulated using distance markers and auditory signals, ensuring accuracy and comparability of the data. Measurements were comprehensive: heart rate and oxygen consumption (VO2 Master) for energy expenditure; EMG sensors on nine major muscles of the upper and lower body for muscular activity; inertial sensors (Xsens Dot) on the pole, tibia, and thoracic spine (T6) for gait analysis (propulsion angle, push time, stride length, cadence, trunk rotation, vibrational energy). Subjective perception was also systematically evaluated after each trial, using ratings of effort, comfort, and pleasure. ⸻ 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗽𝘂𝗹𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 One of the most significant results concerns the propulsion angle, measured between the pole and the ground during the push phase. With straight poles, the mean propulsion angle was 46°, compared to 33° with curved MØNARC® poles. This 13-degree difference alters the direction of applied forces: less vertical and more horizontal. In practice, the walker is propelled forward rather than slightly upward. Vector analysis demonstrated that propulsion with curved poles was 22% more effective than with straight poles. This finding is crucial because it shows that curved poles do not alter the nature of the Nordic walking technique but rather optimize its mechanical efficiency without requiring additional effort. For experienced walkers, this translates into smoother propulsion, greater continuity between plant and push phases, and enhanced fidelity to the original principle of Nordic walking: a full-body, amplified yet natural movement. ⸻ 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗩𝗶𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 The second key finding concerns the reduction of vibrations transmitted to the arms. Using inertial sensors, the researchers measured an average decrease of 22% at 5 km/h and 26% at 6 km/h when curved poles were used. This is far from trivial. Repetitive vibrations are one of the main causes of microtrauma for regular practitioners, particularly at the wrist, elbow, and shoulder. By reducing these forces, curved poles alleviate accumulated fatigue and promote long-term comfort. The researchers note that over long distances or on hard surfaces such as asphalt, this reduction may help preserve movement quality and reduce the likelihood of chronic discomfort. These objective results are corroborated by field reports: many new users of MØNARC® poles state that they have regained a healthier, more fluid walking rhythm, with some even resuming Nordic walking after having stopped due to joint pain. Thus, technological innovation and practical experience converge in highlighting the ergonomic benefits of curved poles. ⸻ 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗵𝘆𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 From a physiological standpoint, the results are unambiguous: oxygen consumption (VO2) and heart rate did not differ significantly between straight and curved poles. In other words, walking with curved poles does not impose additional metabolic cost. The overall effort remains unchanged, confirming that this innovation improves mechanical efficiency without increasing physiological strain. ⸻ 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗯𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁 Electromyographic analysis revealed a subtle redistribution of muscular workload. With curved poles, upper-body muscles such as the biceps, triceps, deltoids, and latissimus dorsi were slightly more activated, while some lower-body muscles showed reduced activation. This redistribution reflects a more balanced involvement of the entire muscular chain, consistent with Nordic walking’s fundamental objective: to engage the whole body in a harmonious way. Although not all differences reached statistical significance due to inter-individual variability and the small sample size, the trend was clear and aligned with participants’ reported sensations. ⸻ 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁, 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 Subjective evaluations provide an additional perspective. At 5 km/h, participants reported a significantly lower perceived effort when using curved poles. At 6 km/h, perceived comfort and pleasure were both significantly higher. These findings suggest that the curved geometry not only modifies biomechanics but also enhances the subjective walking experience. The researchers hypothesize that the ergonomic design of curved poles improves fluidity and reduces discomfort, making the activity more enjoyable. For instructors and clubs, this perceptual dimension is highly relevant, as it directly influences adherence to the practice and long-term motivation. ⸻ 𝗔𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗰 𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 Nordic walking has always been defined as a health-oriented activity: a dynamic yet accessible discipline that mobilizes the entire body in a fluid and natural gesture. Unlike purely competitive sports, it emphasizes inclusivity, posture, and well-being. The UGA study demonstrates that curved poles do not depart from this ethos. On the contrary, they reinforce it by promoting forward propulsion, reducing vibrational strain, and improving perceived comfort. Far from distorting the discipline, curved poles refine it and may extend its accessibility to broader populations, including those with joint fragility or those seeking long-term physical activity. ⸻ 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 The UGA study highlights several measurable benefits of curved MØNARC® poles: a reduced propulsion angle (33° vs. 46°), a 22% improvement in forward propulsion, a marked reduction in vibrational load (-22% at 5 km/h and -26% at 6 km/h), a more balanced muscular workload, and enhanced perceptions of effort, comfort, and pleasure. All of this occurs without altering the physiological intensity of exercise. The authors emphasize the need for further research with larger samples and in varied outdoor conditions. Nevertheless, the observed trends are coherent and robust, both in objective data and in subjective feedback. They suggest that curved poles represent a relevant evolution of the practice, fully consistent with the foundational principles of Nordic walking and oriented toward long-term health and well-being. https://www.monarc-nordic.com/ ⸻ 𝗔𝗰𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 The researchers extend their sincere thanks to all participants for their commitment throughout the protocol. They also express their gratitude to Valérie Novel and Clovis Chabert for their technical support and training with the measurement devices, and to Jean-Pierre Guilloteau for his expertise in Nordic walking and his contribution to participant recruitment. Finally, the University of Grenoble Alpes is acknowledged for providing access to its sports facilities and logistical support. #nordicwalking #healthylifestyle #health UniveUniversité Grenoble AlpeseUniversité Grenoble Alpes Internationalrthealth