Smart hiking stick during endemic for healthy lifestyle / Nik Rozilaini Wan Mohamed

After Covid-19 endemic in 2023, most Malay-sians are into physical activities and more con-cerned with a healthy lifestyle (Bowler, 2010). A low cost fitness is affordable workout for people who wants a low impact activity, cheap and can be done almost anywhere at any time (Caspers-en, et. al., 1985). Routine walking can result in several health benefits such as raised exercise ap-titude, declined pressure of circulating blood, and improved glucose control (Chhetri, et. al. 2004). Walking can reduce stress level and stabilize emotional well-being. Walking improves car-diovascular but should be done without extreme injuries (Haseler et. al., 2009). The use of walk-ing stick is recommended to avoid high impact on knees and feet. The walking stick is used by hikers to climb over rugged terrain, support the spine, increase balance, and minimize the impact on the body (Phelan, 2020). The walking stick is used as stabilization. The reflexes, strength, pos-tural effects, and postural monitor are balanced in walking activities (Bowler, 2010). Walking exer-cises are becoming more demanding so walking stick was designed to assist balance and fitness after getting vaccines or boosters during the en-demic (Den Breejeen, 2007). The hikers should apply a few techniques and walk naturally. The hikers’ shoulders position should be relaxed and keep the stick closer to the body. A stick should be one foot and held at the opposite arm and swing backward as the leg moves forward (Kil, et. al., 2014). The use of a stick may reduce the risk of burden and injuries (Nordbo, et. al., (2014).