GeriatricsNCT07158931
'Nordic Walking' on Geriatric Individuals
A study testing nordic walking and General walking in people with Geriatrics and Geriatric Rehabilitation, run by Istanbul Rumeli University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
This study aimed to investigate the effects of Nordic Walking training on muscle strength and endurance, balance, fear of falling, aerobic capacity, fatigue, quality of life and activity level in geriatric individuals. 32 sedentary individuals between the ages of 65-80 participated in the study. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 65 to 80 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Geriatrics, Geriatric Rehabilitation
- What is being tested?
- nordic walking and General walking
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 28 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 1 Oct 2022to 29 Mar 2024
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 65 to 80 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Older adult
Who may be able to join
- being between 65 and 80 years of age,
- having a score of 24 or above on the Standardized Mini-Mental State Examination (SMMSE),
- and voluntarily agreeing to participate in the study.
Who cannot join
- a history of cerebrovascular accident,
- acute retinal hemorrhage or previous ophthalmic surgery,
- active infection, malignancy,
- multiple organ failure, terminal illness, or a history of lower or upper extremity fracture within the last three months.
- had any musculoskeletal condition that would prevent them from engaging in exercise,
- a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, or dementia,
- a diagnosis of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV),
- had engaged in regular exercise training (≥150 minutes per week) within the past six months.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Investigation of Effectiveness of 'Nordic Walking' Training On Geriatric Individuals: a Randomized Comparative Study
This study aimed to investigate the effects of Nordic Walking training on muscle strength and endurance, balance, fear of falling, aerobic capacity, fatigue, quality of life and activity level in geriatric individuals.
32 sedentary individuals between the ages of 65-80 participated in the study. Nordic Walking (NW) and Traditional Walking (GY) groups were created by systematic randomization method. In line with the intended research parameters, participants were given 30 sec sit-to-stand (30secCST), 30 sec biceps curl (30 sec ACT), timed up and go (TUG) 6 min walk (6MWT), Tinetti Fall Effectiveness (Tinetti FES), Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale (TSK), World Health Organization Quality of Life Elderly Module (WHOQOL-Old) were administered. Evaluations were repeated before and after the study. The study was conducted under the supervision of a physiotherapist, 3 days a week for 12 weeks in both groups.
- Conditions
- Geriatrics, Geriatric Rehabilitation
- Being tested
- nordic walking, General walking
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
nordic walkingOther
Before the NW program, participants completed a one-week familiarization phase to practice pole use. Training was held three times: 15 minutes on days 1 and 2, and 20 minutes on day 3, at 40-60% heart rate reserve (measured with a pulse oximeter). Warm-up included a 1-minute slow walk, toe raises, seated dorsiflexion, mini squats, scapular adduction, and shoulder/wrist stretches. Each session ended with a cool-down of a 2-minute slow walk and 20-second stretches for major muscle groups (quadriceps, hamstrings, lumbar extensors, gastrocnemius, shoulders, wrists).The walking poles used in this study were the Evolite Ultralite Titanium Antishock Trekking Pole, which has a titanium alloy body and a three-piece telescopic structure, adjustable to the desired length between 68 and 135 cm.
General walkingOther
The program was performed on concrete or compacted soil surfaces, under the same physiotherapist's supervision. Walking speed was adjusted to remain below 60% of maximal heart rate and to allow participants to converse comfortably during exercise.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Experimental | Experimental | Nordic Walking Receives: Other: nordic walking |
| Control | Active comparator | General walking Receives: Other: General walking |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Sit-to-stand test (STS):
This is a widely used clinical assessment tool in geriatrics for evaluating lower limb function, muscle strength, balance, and overall physical performance in older adults. Participants were instructed to sit on a chair approximately 48 cm in height, keeping their back straight, feet flat on the floor, and arms crossed over the chest. They were then asked to stand up and sit down repeatedly for 30 seconds. The total number of complete stands performed within the 30-second period was recorded
Measured: at the beginning and at the end of the 12th week
Biceps curl test (BCT):
This is a widely used assessment in geriatrics to evaluate upper body strength and endurance, particularly of the arm muscles (7). The arm curl test was performed with participants seated on a chair without armrests. Holding a dumbbell in the hand with the palm facing the body, participants executed elbow flexion with supination through a full range of motion, ensuring the elbow was fully bent and then fully extended for each repetition. Women used 2 kg dumbbells and men used 3 kg dumbbells. The total number of controlled repetitions completed in 30 seconds was recorded.
Measured: at the beginning and at the end of the 12th week
6-Minute Walk Test (MWT):
It is a widely used, simple, and validated clinical assessment to measure aerobic capacity and functional exercise tolerance in older adults (8). The participant was instructed to walk along a 30-meter flat surface for six minutes. At the end of the six-minute period, the total distance walked was recorded in meters.
Measured: at the beginning and at the end of the 12th week
Timed Up and Go Test (TUG):
This is a clinical and research tool to assess mobility, balance, walking ability, and fall risk in older adults (9). While seated on a chair approximately 48 cm in height, the participant was instructed, upon hearing the "start" command, to stand up, walk 3 meters forward at a normal walking speed, return, and sit down again. The test was performed twice, and the average time was recorded.
Measured: at the beginning and at the end of the 12th week
Secondary outcomes (3)
Tinetti Falls Efficacy Scale (TFES):
It is a validated tool used to assess an individual's confidence in performing daily activities without falling. Participants rated their perceived safety during various daily activities on a scale from 1 (very confident) to 10 (not confident at all). Scores were converted to a total between 0 (low fall-related self-efficacy) and 100 (high fall-related self-efficacy), with higher scores indicating greater fear of falling (10).
Measured: at the beginning and at the end of the 12th week
Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale (TKS):
It is a 17-item self-report questionnaire rated on a 4-point Likert scale, designed to assess fear of movement or re-injury. Higher scores indicate greater levels of kinesiophobia.
Measured: at the beginning and at the end of the 12th week
World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument-Older Adults Module (WHOQL- OLD):
It is a 24-item questionnaire assessed on a five-point Likert scale, covering six domains: sensory abilities, autonomy, past-present-future activities, social participation, death and dying, and intimacy. Each domain is scored from 4 to 20, and higher total scores indicate better quality of life
Measured: at the beginning and at the end of the 12th week
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted8 Sep 2025
- Study start1 Oct 2022
- Primary completion1 Mar 2024
- Study completion29 Mar 2024
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for GeriatricsStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 28 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Istanbul Rumeli University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Nursel Oziri, Istanbul Rumeli University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07158931
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- IstanbulRumeliU
- Status last verified
- Aug 2025
- First submitted
- 20 Aug 2025
- Last updated
- 8 Sep 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Publications
Oziri N, Baskan E, Balkisli BC. Investigation of the effectiveness Of 'Nordic Walking' training on geriatric individuals: a randomized comparative study. Eur Geriatr Med. 2026 May 19. doi: 10.1007/s41999-026-01507-w. Online ahead of print.
PubMed 42154148
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 8 Sep 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Investigation of Effectiveness of 'Nordic Walking' Training On Geriatric Individuals: a Randomized Comparative Study
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07158931
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- IstanbulRumeliU
- Conditions
- Geriatrics, Geriatric Rehabilitation
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 28 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Istanbul Rumeli UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Oct 2022 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 1 Mar 2024 (actual)
- Study completion
- 29 Mar 2024 (actual)
- First posted
- 8 Sep 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This study aimed to investigate the effects of Nordic Walking training on muscle strength and endurance, balance, fear of falling, aerobic capacity, fatigue, quality of life and activity level in geriatric individuals.
32 sedentary individuals between the ages of 65-80 participated in the study. Nordic Walking (NW) and Traditional Walking (GY) groups were created by systematic randomization method. In line with the intended research parameters, participants were given 30 sec sit-to-stand (30secCST), 30 sec biceps curl (30 sec ACT), timed up and go (TUG) 6 min walk (6MWT), Tinetti Fall Effectiveness (Tinetti FES), Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale (TSK), World Health Organization Quality of Life Elderly Module (WHOQOL-Old) were administered. Evaluations were repeated before and after the study. The study was conducted under the supervision of a physiotherapist, 3 days a week for 12 weeks in both groups.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Experimental | Experimental | Other: nordic walkingNordic Walking |
| Control | Active comparator | Other: General walkingGeneral walking |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 65 to 80 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- being between 65 and 80 years of age,
- having a score of 24 or above on the Standardized Mini-Mental State Examination (SMMSE),
- and voluntarily agreeing to participate in the study.
Key exclusion criteria (8 listed)
- a history of cerebrovascular accident,
- acute retinal hemorrhage or previous ophthalmic surgery,
- active infection, malignancy,
- multiple organ failure, terminal illness, or a history of lower or upper extremity fracture within the last three months.
- had any musculoskeletal condition that would prevent them from engaging in exercise,
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| nordic walkingBefore the NW program, participants completed a one-week familiarization phase to practice pole use. Training was held three times: 15 minutes on days 1 and 2, and 20 minutes on day 3, at 40-60% heart rate reserve (measured with a pulse oximeter). Warm-up included a 1-minute slow walk, toe raises, seated dorsiflexion, mini squats, scapular adduction, and shoulder/wrist stretches. Each session ended with a cool-down of a 2-minute slow walk and 20-second stretches for major muscle groups (quadriceps, hamstrings, lumbar extensors, gastrocnemius, shoulders, wrists).The walking poles used in this study were the Evolite Ultralite Titanium Antishock Trekking Pole, which has a titanium alloy body and a three-piece telescopic structure, adjustable to the desired length between 68 and 135 cm. | Other | Experimental |
| General walkingThe program was performed on concrete or compacted soil surfaces, under the same physiotherapist's supervision. Walking speed was adjusted to remain below 60% of maximal heart rate and to allow participants to converse comfortably during exercise. | Other | Control |
Primary outcome
Sit-to-stand test (STS):
Time frame: at the beginning and at the end of the 12th week
This is a widely used clinical assessment tool in geriatrics for evaluating lower limb function, muscle strength, balance, and overall physical performance in older adults. Participants were instructed to sit on a chair approximately 48 cm in height, keeping their back straight, feet flat on the floor, and arms crossed over the chest. They were then asked to stand up and sit down repeatedly for 30 seconds. The total number of complete stands performed within the 30-second period was recorded
Biceps curl test (BCT):
Time frame: at the beginning and at the end of the 12th week
This is a widely used assessment in geriatrics to evaluate upper body strength and endurance, particularly of the arm muscles (7). The arm curl test was performed with participants seated on a chair without armrests. Holding a dumbbell in the hand with the palm facing the body, participants executed elbow flexion with supination through a full range of motion, ensuring the elbow was fully bent and then fully extended for each repetition. Women used 2 kg dumbbells and men used 3 kg dumbbells. The total number of controlled repetitions completed in 30 seconds was recorded.
6-Minute Walk Test (MWT):
Time frame: at the beginning and at the end of the 12th week
It is a widely used, simple, and validated clinical assessment to measure aerobic capacity and functional exercise tolerance in older adults (8). The participant was instructed to walk along a 30-meter flat surface for six minutes. At the end of the six-minute period, the total distance walked was recorded in meters.
Timed Up and Go Test (TUG):
Time frame: at the beginning and at the end of the 12th week
This is a clinical and research tool to assess mobility, balance, walking ability, and fall risk in older adults (9). While seated on a chair approximately 48 cm in height, the participant was instructed, upon hearing the "start" command, to stand up, walk 3 meters forward at a normal walking speed, return, and sit down again. The test was performed twice, and the average time was recorded.
3 secondary outcomes
Tinetti Falls Efficacy Scale (TFES):
Time frame: at the beginning and at the end of the 12th week
Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale (TKS):
Time frame: at the beginning and at the end of the 12th week
World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument-Older Adults Module (WHOQL- OLD):
Time frame: at the beginning and at the end of the 12th week
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 8 Sep 2025.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 42154148Oziri N, Baskan E, Balkisli BC. Investigation of the effectiveness Of 'Nordic Walking' training on geriatric individuals: a randomized comparative study. Eur Geriatr Med. 2026 May 19. doi: 10.1007/s41999-026-01507-w. Online ahead of print.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing nordic walking and General walking in people with Geriatrics and Geriatric Rehabilitation, run by Istanbul Rumeli University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 8 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 8 Sep 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Sit-to-stand test (STS): (time frame: at the beginning and at the end of the 12th week). The study lists 4 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07158931, which also lists 1 linked publication.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 8 Sep 2025.