Pole Walking Decreases the Amount of Force Imposed Upon the Foot in Subjects with Knee Problems

“From the data analysis, it was concluded that:

(a) the telescope-style running poles altered the lower-extremity running kinetics by decreasing the knee flexion during the swing phase and increasing the maximum hip hyperextension, and

(b) the running poles generally reduced the foot-ground interaction and provided a source of propulsion during the push-off phase of the running gait, decreasing the amount of force and impulse imposed upon the foot in subjects with chronic knee problems.” Read Full PDF

References 
Young-Hoo Kwon, Lori R. Bolt, and Jackun Shim
Mechanics of Pole Running in Subjects with Chronic Knee Problems
Ball State University, Muncie, Indianna, USA