How to Nordic walking: this little-known physical activity takes care of your heart as much, if not more, than HIIT

Coronary artery disease is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in the developed world. This disease causes some secondary effects once it has passed, for example, by myocardial infarction. Health professionals are looking for the best type of physical exercise to remedy these side effects, with Nordic walking emerging as an exciting option. Physical exercise and cardiovascular disease Some of the side effects of myocardial infarction are a decreased functional capacity and a markedly low quality of life. Mental health is another factor that can be altered after a cardiovascular accident of this type. Cardiac rehabilitation is essential to reduce the severity of these symptoms as much as possible. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) versus moderate-intensity training MINT, may sound shocking, but high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is one of the best strategies for reducing mortality from cardiovascular disease and improving mental health, superior even to moderate-intensity activity. Nordic walking has come into play Mr. Unsplash In the search for the best training option, an investigation has been carried out on the usefulness of Nordic walking on functional capacity, depression, and quality of life in patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation. Nordic walking or Nordic walking is similar to skiing without snow, in fact, it originated as training for cross-country skiers at times when there was no snow. It uses two special walking sticks, which go in rhythm with the steps taken. This type of exercise consists of walking quickly while supporting the poles on the ground, partly to help us go faster and partly to involve the upper body in the exercise. Intensity can range from low-intensity rides to highly demanding brisk walks. Nordic walking versus high-intensity interval training (HIIT) These vigorous Nordic walks have outperformed high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity interval training. This finding was published a few months ago in the journal Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases, making this type of training an excellent option to improve functional capacity, mental health, and the general quality of life of people who have suffered a cardiovascular accident. A couple of weeks ago, a new study, very similar to the previous one, confirmed that Nordic walking has superior benefits in functional capacity, and can be compared in other positive effects to high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Whether you have suffered a cardiovascular accident or not, energetic Nordic walking can be an interesting strategy to implement to take care of heart health and mental health, in disorders such as depression. What is Morton's Neuroma?: This is the disease that Queen Letizia has just been diagnosed with Several years ago, Queen Letizia was diagnosed with chronic metatarsal, which is quite intense pain in the sole of the foot, something that usually occurs especially in women who wear high and narrow heels. Unfortunately, last June, he was diagnosed with Morton's Neuroma. But what is it exactly? This problem, also called by other colleagues in the scientific community Morton's metatarsal, neuritis, Morton's entrapment, neuralgia, etc., is a compressive neuropathy of the nerve of the forefoot. Neuropathy is primarily due to compression and irritation of the ligament, and the most common location of Morton's neuroma is between the second and third metatarsals. What is the cause of this problem? The most common causes include shoes with a narrow toe box, hyperextension of the toes in high-heeled shoes, deviation of the toes due to genetic or mechanical problems from wearing heels, inflammation of the bursa (which is the bag that protects the bones), trauma to the forefoot and high-impact sports activities. Is there treatment? There are two types of treatments, surgical and non-surgical: Non-surgical: The most effective non-surgical treatment is by wearing wide, soft-soled, lace-up, low-heeled shoes to relieve pressure on the nerve. Also, the removal of tissue that compresses the nerve by radiofrequency, cryotherapy, and alcohol injections into the nerves has been proposed as a less invasive and more conservative method of treating neuromas than surgery. Surgical: If non-surgical management fails, surgery is indicated to treat these cases as well. The neuroma is removed using a dorsal or plantar approach. The dorsal approach is better tolerated by patients, as the plantar scar itself can be painful. The plantar incision is reserved primarily for recurrent neuromas or when the patient has a painful trigger point.