Changes in Cardiometabolic Risk Factors Following Nordic Walking in Adults with Prediabetes or Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Pre–Post Interventions

Background: This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effect of Nordic walking (NW) on clinical outcomes, including anthropometrics, glycemic control, lipid profile, and blood pressure in adults with diabetes or prediabetes by comparing the changes within trials. Methods: PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Embase were searched. Studies reporting baseline and post-intervention data for NW in adults with diabetes or prediabetes were included. Meta-analysis was performed to calculate mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Ten trials comprising 277 participants with diabetes or prediabetes were included. Meta-analysis showed that NW was associated with a significant reduction in body mass index (MD: −0.95 kg/m2, 95% CI: −1.65 to −0.25, p = 0.008) and waist circumference (MD: −2.23 cm, 95% CI: −4.04 to −0.42, p = 0.02), without changing bodyweight. Glycemic control favorably improved after NW, as represented by decreased HbA1c (MD: −0.24%, 95% CI: −0.45 to −0.04, p = 0.02), fasting blood glucose (MD: −10.65 mg/dL, 95% CI: −20.63 to −0.67, p = 0.04), and HOMA-IR (MD: −0.25, 95% CI: −0.47 to −0.04, p = 0.02). Furthermore, a significant decrease in both systolic blood pressure (MD: −6.44 mmHg, 95% CI: −10.15 to −2.73, p = 0.0007) and diastolic blood pressure (MD: −2.16 mmHg, 95% CI: −4.07 to −0.26, p = 0.03) was observed within the trial. However, none of the lipid profiles were affected by NW. Conclusions: As a non-pharmacological intervention, NW could be beneficial in reducing anthropometrics and blood pressure, while improving glycemic control in adults with diabetes or prediabetes.