Abstract
[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify whether the anaerobic threshold (AT) obtained by an exercise test and the rate of perceived exertion (RPE) differed depending on the type of pole used for Nordic walking (NW). [Subjects and Methods] Using a ramp loading protocol, 10 males and females walked normally, and performed NW with Pole 1 (without strap, rubber tip circle), and Pole 2 (with straps, diagonally rubbed chips) on a treadmill. [Results] The AT of NW with Pole 1 was significantly higher than that of walking normally. The RPE of NW with Pole 2 was not significantly different from that of walking normally, but that of Pole 1 was significantly higher than that of walking normally. [Conclusion] These results suggest that the difference in the shape of the pole influences AT; therefore, using a pole such as pole 2 could be more effective for exercise therapy.
