Determinants of change in insulin resistance response to Nordic walking in community-dwelling elderly women

IntroductionNordic walking, characterized by the use of two walking poles, is becoming increasingly popular. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects produced by a 12-week Nordic walking training program on functional abilities and metabolic profiles, specifically walk distance and insulin resistance, among elderly women.MethodsThe present study included 74 women (68 ± 7 years). The Nordic walking training program of 120 minutes per week was performed for 12 weeks. Before and at the end of the 12-week intervention, 6-minute walking distance (6MWD) and the homeostasis of the model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were measured.Results and conclusionsAfter the 12-week Nordic walking training program, 6MWD increased significantly (p < 0.001). HOMA-IR improved significantly from a median (interquartile range) of 2.01 (1.31–2.59) to 1.32 (0.86–2.08) after intervention. Stepwise multiple linear regression analyses for changes in HOMA-IR showed that changes in the body mass index (BMI; β = 0.255, p = 0.019), triglycerides (TG; β = 0.266, p = 0.015), and uric acid (β = 0.279, p = 0.009) were independently and significantly associated with changes in HOMA-IR. The increased 6MWD correlated significantly with improved HOMA-IR in participants with baseline gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) ≥ 26 IU/L (r = −0.682, p = 0.005), but not in those with baseline GGT < 26 IU/L (r = −0.127, p = 0.338). Analysis of covariance showed that two regression lines in each graph were significantly different (F = 5.64, p = 0.020). These results suggest that increased 6MWD predicts improvement in insulin resistance after a 12-week Nordic walking training program in participants with elevated GGT.