Effect of Nordic Walking on Anthropometrics, Glycemia, and Lipid Profile in Adults With Prediabetes or Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Nordic walking significantly decreased body weight compared to control in adults with prediabetes or diabetes.

• Mean difference (MD) = -0.79 kg, p = 0.02
• Analysis based on 6 RCTs comprising 321 adults with prediabetes or diabetes (63% male)
• Literature search conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Embase until June 2025

Nordic walking marginally reduced waist circumference compared to control.

• MD = -0.82 cm, p = 0.07
• The reduction did not reach conventional statistical significance (p = 0.07)
• Included in anthropometric outcomes alongside body weight

Nordic walking significantly decreased glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) compared to control.

• MD = -0.37%, p = 0.0001
• High heterogeneity was observed (I² = 69%)
• Subgroup analysis showed greater HbA1c reduction in adults with diabetes (MD = -0.49%, p < 0.00001) compared to adults with prediabetes (MD = -0.2%, p = 0.001)

Nordic walking did not significantly affect fasting blood glucose or homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR).

• No significant effect was found for fasting blood glucose
• No significant effect was found for HOMA-IR
• These null findings contrasted with the significant HbA1c reduction observed

Nordic walking significantly increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol compared to control.

• MD = 0.07 mmol/L, p = 0.005
• No beneficial effects were observed on total cholesterol, triglycerides, or low-density lipoprotein (LDL)

Nordic walking did not significantly affect systolic or diastolic blood pressure.

• No significant effect was found for either systolic or diastolic blood pressure
• Blood pressure was among the clinical outcomes extracted for meta-analysis alongside anthropometrics, glycemic control, lipid profiles, and VO2peak

Nordic walking appears to improve peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) in adults with prediabetes or diabetes.

• Nordic walking appeared to improve VO2peak compared to control
• VO2peak was one of the secondary clinical outcomes assessed in the meta-analysis
• Six RCTs with 321 adults were included in the overall analysis