Nordic walking results differed across cognitive abilities
A small evidence base favored Nordic walking for executive function, while results for other cognitive measures were not statistically significant.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
The pooled result favored Nordic walking for executive function in older adults. However, global cognition, memory, attention, information processing and perception did not show statistically significant effects. This pattern supports a narrow conclusion about the measured executive-function outcome, while leaving broader claims about improved thinking or memory unproven.
This abstract-based summary lacks intervention durations, detailed control conditions and the certainty ratings the reviewers assessed. Nonsignificant findings do not establish that Nordic walking has no effect.
What researchers found
Executive-function scores, standardized difference (Hedges' g)
Scores favored Nordic walking over study controls by 0.89 standard deviation units, which express the gap relative to how widely test scores vary. Assessment timing was unspecified. This is not a percentage or demonstrated improvement in daily life.
A selective result
The review combined studies of older adults and examined cognitive outcomes separately. The executive-function result varied with participants' health conditions and the types of control groups used.
Duration remains an open question
Longer total intervention time was associated with a larger effect in meta-regression. This study-level relationship does not establish an optimal duration or prove that extending a program improves cognition.
The original publication
The effects of Nordic walking on cognitive function in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Li H, Zhu K, Gan J et al.
Front Aging Neurosci · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 41040812
- Record checked
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