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Walking Aids

Trekking Poles for Seniors Pt 3

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Effective Techniques for Seniors Using Walking Poles

This is Part 3 of a Three Part Series – Part 1 is HERE – Part 2 is HERE

Walking Poles for Seniors

Gripping the Poles

Hold the poles with a secure grip without tightening your hands. It is advised not to use the straps during exercise or walks to avoid injury if you stumble while tethered to the pole.

Setting the Poles

Ensure that the poles are set at a length based on your height and the terrain you are navigating. Typically your elbows should form a 90 degree angle with your forearms parallel, to the ground when gripping the poles.

You might consider adjusting the length of the poles to better suit the slope and your personal preference.

Walking with Poles

When walking with poles ensure a fluid and synchronized movement by coordinating the pole and leg. For instance as you move your leg forward swing your pole forward in sync and vice versa. Place the poles behind your feet to propel yourself ahead and prevent any tripping.

Why Walking Poles are Good for Seniors

Walking poles serve as more than aids for walking; they serve as a pathway to improved mobility and independence for senior adults.

They offer assistance to address issues, like pain, balance problems or fatigue while instilling users with the confidence to stay active. These poles adapt to your requirements acting as companions that enhance your walking routine.

Best Walking Poles for Seniors

They do not signify dependence but rather empowerment by extending your capacity to engage in activities securely and confidently. By choosing the poles and using them effectively you can unlock exercise potentials that elevate your quality of life and independence.

Key Points

Walking poles provide stability, support and comfort during walks making it simpler and more enjoyable to explore terrains and distances.

There exist kinds of walking sticks including adaptable and Z shaped ones. Each style comes with characteristics, benefits and drawbacks based on what you require.

Walking sticks can help individuals by lessening discomfort enhancing stability and boosting stamina.

For use of walking sticks select the ones for your requirements and utilize them correctly. Familiarize yourself with how to grip modify and walk with your sticks in a fluid and synchronized way.

References

1. Ono K, Nishimoto J, Imura T, Mitsutake T, Inoue Y, Tanaka S, Tanaka R. The effects of walking training with poles on walking ability: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. PM R. 2023 Aug;15(8):1026- 1037. doi: 10.1002/pmrj.12886. Epub 2022 Oct 13. PMID: 35943832.(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35943832/) (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35943832/)

2. Gomeñuka NA, Oliveira HB, da Silva ES, Passos-Monteiro E, da Rosa RG, Carvalho AR, Costa RR, Rodríguez Paz MC, Pellegrini B, Peyré-Tartaruga LA. Nordic walking training in elderly, a randomized clinical trial. Part II: Biomechanical and metabolic adaptations. Sports Med Open. 2020 Jan 13;6(1):3. doi: 10.1186/s40798-019-0228-6. PMID: 31932999; PMCID: PMC6957599. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31932999/)

About Author

Lamia A Kader, MD
Lamia A Kader is a Medical Doctor and a Medical Research Professional with a Ph.D. in Clinical Research. ISMMS, USA. She had enhanced her medical knowledge of medical devices and equipment development and innovation by attending clinical meetings, local national courses, journal clubs, and conferences, in addition to e-learning, subscribing to major medical journals and keeping an eye on latest trends in medicine and keeping an eye on clinical trials industry and healthcare marketing current trends. She had participated in several medical device innovation projects by conducting clinical research studies, developing clinical trial protocols, writing patient safety narratives and “Medical Device Risk Assessment Reports” to transform new medical technologies into real products that save and improve lives. Follow her on LINKEDIN. Read her LATEST POSTS. Learn more about her HERE.

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