Sarah McCracken, Parkinson’s Disease Nurse Specialist at Nottingham CityCare, has conducted pivotal research into the benefits of Nordic Walking for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease. This innovative approach has demonstrated significant improvements in walking speed, stride length, balance, ease of movement, and more for those living with the condition.
Inspired by her personal passion for exercising and the outdoors, Sarah aligned this interest with her work supporting people with Parkinson’s. Over the five years since the programme began, more than 100 participants have seen remarkable improvements in mobility, quality of life, and confidence.
Sarah’s work has focused on contributing evidence of both the short- and long-term physical and psychological impacts of Nordic Walking. She has assessed its motor and non-motor benefits, its feasibility and accessibility for individuals with diverse needs, and the requirements for delivering Nordic Walking groups within a community rehabilitation setting.
The initial feasibility study, conducted in 2020, monitored the effects of Nordic Walking over eight weeks and six months. A larger study for her Master of Philosophy qualification included these assessments: ‘Timed up and go’ movements from a chair, tragus posture evaluations, 10- and 20-metre walks, and measurements using the Non-Motor Symptoms Scale (NMSS). The first cohort of 49 participants, aged between 47 and 83, saw 40 complete the eight-week programme and follow-up, with 34 completing the six-month follow-up.
The study also highlighted the social benefits of Nordic Walking. Participants enjoyed peer support and outdoor activities, leading to positive behavioural and lifestyle changes, better sleep, reduced urinary symptoms, and a decreased fear of falls. These improvements were significant enough to be attributed to more than chance.
Christine Stanley and Greg Foister now lead Nottingham CityCare’s pioneering Nordic Walking sessions, running three sessions per week across Nottinghamshire. Chris and Greg both live with Parkinson’s and have lived experience that is important for the group. These sessions have seen rapid growth, doubling in size in recent months and now welcoming up to 20 to 30 participants.
Sarah McCracken, Parkinson’s Disease Nurse Specialist with the Community Neurology Service and CityCare Wellbeing Champion, reflected on her research that inspired the programme:
“I immediately saw the potential for Nordic walking for people with Parkinson’s. The physical and mental health benefits are clear, as it builds fitness throughout the disease trajectory and addresses social isolation. I believe that it is cost-effective, enjoyable, and easily embedded into weekly routines, such as parkrun.
My vision is to spread the word through conferences, networking and social media, and to start more of these community rehabilitation support groups for people with Parkinson’s across the East Midlands. Partnerships with British Nordic walking, Parkinson’s UK, the NHS and the charitable sector could facilitate the sustainability and accessibility of Nordic walking groups.
I’m thrilled that the groups continue. I hope to leave a legacy of adventure, hope and outdoor activity beyond the research study.”
Participants have shared how Nordic Walking has positively impacted them:
“I love being with people, but large groups can be taxing as Parkinson’s affects your memory. These sessions feel different; you can walk and talk with new people every time.” Janine Sharpe, retired.
“The sessions and the exercise are encouraging, useful, and uplifting for both my spirit and my body.” John Ellison, 77, retired Marketing Officer.
Open to people of all ages and backgrounds, whether pre-diagnosed, newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s, or long-term, these Nordic Walking groups offer physical and social benefits. As Parkinson’s UK prepares to mark World Parkinson’s Day on Friday 11 April the group are embarking on a ‘Big Nordic Walk’ on Thursday 10 April at Wollaton Hall, 10:30am. Efforts like these are crucial for raising awareness, improving lives, and fostering community connections.
Date published: 8 April 2025
