Community Health Promotion and Engagement through Pole Walking

Abstract

We organized a community-based pole-walking program to promote local health and examined its effects on participants’ physical and cognitive functions. Pole walking is known to improve posture and balance during gait; however, evidence regarding its long-term impact on overall health remains limited. In this study, we assessed changes in walking performance and cognitive function throughout the program. Physical function was evaluated using an AI-based skeletal motion analysis system, while cognitive performance was measured with a tablet-based Trail Making Test (TMT). Our findings suggest that continued participation in pole walking may contribute to maintaining or improving both physical and cognitive functions. These results indicate the potential value of pole walking as a community-based intervention for health promotion and active aging.