Nordic Walking Reduces Depression Symptoms Within Five Weeks, Study Finds

A randomized controlled trial involving 64 adults with moderate to severe depression examined the effects of Nordic walking, a form of exercise using specially designed poles. Forty‑eight participants followed a supervised Nordic walking program twice weekly for ten weeks, while 16 served as a non‑exercise control group.

Depression severity was measured with the Beck Depression Inventory‑II before the program, after five weeks, and at the end of the ten‑week period. The walking group showed a significantly greater reduction in symptoms than the control group, with the most pronounced improvement occurring during the first five weeks. By the study’s conclusion, between 35 % and 53.6 % of the walking participants were in remission, no longer meeting clinical criteria for depression.

The findings suggest that Nordic walking can produce rapid antidepressant effects, especially for individuals with severe depression, and may serve as an accessible, low‑cost adjunct to traditional treatment.