Benefits of a Pole Walking Program Offered by Community Organizations on Physical Fitness, Psychological Well-Being and Cognitive Function Among Older Adults.

We examined the effects of a 12-week pole walking program on function and well-being in 123 older adults aged 60 years and older recruited by community organizations. Results showed a significant improvement in participants' upper and lower limb strength in the experimental groups compared to those in the control groups (p < .05) and a significant deterioration in walking speed and in grip strength in women in the control groups compared to those in the experimental groups (p < .05). Although not statistically significant, results also showed a trend towards greater improvement in global cognitive function in participants in the experimental groups (p = .076). These results suggest that a pole walking program provided in natural conditions can improve physical capabilities in older adults. Other studies are warranted to further explore the impact of pole walking programs on older adults offered in such conditions, especially on cognitive functions.