Rod Murray
Active Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- 2016 CF 2019 PC
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Access denied for some reason!This recent article sheds some science on trekking poles. It’s a roundup of scientific studies related to the use of poles over the last 40 years.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32980249/
I had the same problem and asked the OP, who pointed out that after you click on https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32980249/, there is a full text link just to the right of the title of the paper. Click on the little box that says ELSEVIER Full Text Article.Access denied for some reason!
I had never used trekking poles but have always found a suitable stick along the way to use as a guide up hills and discourage wandering dogs from attack.I had the same problem and asked the OP, who pointed out that after you click on https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32980249/, there is a full text link just to the right of the title of the paper. Click on the little box that says ELSEVIER Full Text Article.
Here are some key sentences from the conclusions:
"Although using poles decreases lower extremity loading and forces, cardiovascular demand is increased; thus, a decision should be made based on the individual’s current fitness level and whether any lower extremity conditions or pain are present. When carrying a large external load, the use of trekking poles may be beneficial, resulting in decreased lower extremity muscle activity and increased balance and stability, with no meaningful differences in metabolic expenditure. "
Personally, I use poles on the Camino mainly for the increased balance and stability.
The full text article about Are Trekking Poles Helping or Hindering Your Hiking Experience? A Review can be read online here: https://www.wemjournal.org/article/S1080-6032(20)30119-8/fulltextAccess denied for some reason!
I had never used trekking poles but have always found a suitable stick along the way to use as a guide up hills and discourage wandering dogs from attack.
There seems to be debates about lots of things on the forum. I am as guilty as the next Perigrino/a chiming in. I think when it comes to this subject either you use them or you don't it is simple and your own preference. If you choose to use them and are not sure you know how or haven't been taught watcha video or two. If you don't want to use them on to the next topic. It sure is easy!!!A bit like comparing a mono cycle with a moped
Not wishing the to reopen the whole poles debate!
That video shows exactly the way I was taught to use a pair of trekking poles for walking. Taught by someone who cross country snow skis and wilderness backpacks and has done the Camino multiple times.Interesting. Not really understanding what Nordic walking is, it got me looking at that.
I don't know why but it conjured up images like Nordic Skiing for some reason and I always imagined it was unrelated to 'hiking' with Poles.
I now realise what I am doing whilst walking on level ground is actually more like Nordic walking.
Hence the feeling of increased power and speed. This video describes it well. Though the guys poles are extended far more than I would use.
For the fortunate, it is down to choice. On my 2016 Camino, my choice was no poles. Eventually, the knee pain was so bad that the knee brace and industrial strength ibuprofen they hand out in Spanish farmacias were not sufficient to enable me to continue, so I got a nice wooden walking staff. My personal choice was not to use those modern, techie/sporty walking poles. But even with the brace and the ibuprofen and the walking staff I wasn't going to make it to Santiago. So I finally gave in and got the walking poles in Viana. And then I was able to walk to Finisterre. For me it was not a matter of personal choice. But some are lucky enough that it is.I would agree with It56ny, It is down to personal choice. I have osteoarthritis in both feet and find that correctly using my poles, help to lift the weight off my feet. Not a cure, but it helps.
That's why rubber tips were invented. Don't leave home without them!But the annoying click, click, click of poles……………..
Never having been a fan of Nordic poles, I still watched this video with interest. What I take away from it is that these poles, used correctly, are designed to propel one to walk faster. For someone who is more than content to trudge along at a snail’s pace I am very happy with my ordinary trekking poles; in fact I depend on them on the descents to slow my speed all the while putting downward pressure on them to increase my upper body workout. I exert this downward pressure on them whether going uphill, downhill or on a flat surface.Interesting. Not really understanding what Nordic walking is, it got me looking at that.
I don't know why but it conjured up images like Nordic Skiing for some reason and I always imagined it was unrelated to 'hiking' with Poles.
I now realise what I am doing whilst walking on level ground is actually more like Nordic walking.
Hence the feeling of increased power and speed. This video describes it well. Though the guys poles are extended far more than I would use.
my ordinary trekking poles
Never having been a fan of Nordic poles,
I also have Black Diamond Z poles, and have no idea whether they are Nordic or ordinary. It seems to me that the distinction has become moot as many manufacturers are providing various options in hand grip, pole tip, and length. I would be happy if someone can clarify this for me!
Never having been a fan of Nordic poles, I still watched this video with interest. What I take away from it is that these poles, used correctly, are designed to propel one to walk faster. For someone who is more than content to trudge along at a snail’s pace I am very happy with my ordinary trekking poles;
Sorry, I meant that to be aI tend to agree. I'm a snail's pace walker, but I do like the forward impetus that the polls give me. with little effort they propel me from 3 kph to a tear inducing 3.4 kph!
It cuts some sections to a mere 10 hours for me
But I wouldn't like to have ANY poles - Nordic, Pacer, or other - dragging behind me!Also, I don’t like the idea of the Nordic poles dragging behind me; my feet drag enough as it is.
But I wouldn't like to have ANY poles - Nordic, Pacer, or other - dragging behind me!
The video was suggesting a process for learning a good pattern and rhythm of walking - start by walking with the poles dragging, just while you get used to holding them in your hands but walking normally. Then take hold of them and place them in position to push off as you walk. Not drag them! They should be placed a bit farther back than you might think, in order to push off. That's what I try to do with my Black Diamond Z poles, whatever they are.
Sorry - I wasn't sure.I’m just having a bit of fun here.
You are probably right. Yesterday - on a relatively flat, even terrain - I tried my Z trekking poles with the Nordic technique described in the video and I could feel the forward propulsion but, as I said earlier, I am not interested in increased speed. However, I can’t see that same technique being employed while negotiating a steep, uneven ascent or descent. Perhaps all that is required are poles that can perform well under both compression and lateral stress. (Spoken as a layperson; I am no expert.).... I suspect it's more a difference in walking style than poles, and that many of us use an in-between approach.
My back disagreesScientists Weigh in on the Great Trekking Pole Debate
A new review sifts through the evidence for and against hiking with poleswww.outsideonline.com
Helpful information about pros and cons. As most of us are not doing mountain hikes, the cons seem far outweighed by the pros.
What I don't understand is the people who carry their poles while they walk. I expect my poles to carry me, not the other way around!Also, I don’t like the idea of the Nordic poles dragging behind me; my feet drag enough as it is.
And the worst are those who carry them in their hands perpendicular to their body - if you are walking behind them you could get poked! I've seen people carry their poles this way when walking through towns, making them a menace.What I don't understand is the people who carry their poles while they walk. I expect my poles to carry me, not the other way around!
You're right. I will edit my post!Perpendicular ... perchance ?
Well, if you want to. I’m just having some fun this morning. I’m going for a walk now.You're right. I will edit my post!
You know what they say, "Your mileage may vary."My back disagrees
As most of us are not doing mountain hikes, the cons seem far outweighed by the pros.
My back disagrees
I think there is some misunderstanding on these posts! Perhaps @trecile misread post #29. I think she is a committed pole user.I love mine. You dislike them. We are both correct.
You are right. I did misread it!I think there is some misunderstanding on these posts! Perhaps @trecile misread post #29. I think she is a committed pole user.
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