Cobblestone-mat walking could provide a different choice of physical activity for many -- one that is both therapeutic and health-enhancing, and that can be done quickly and easily in the comfort of one's home.

Their findings, which confirm an earlier pilot study, are summarized in an article published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

"These are very exciting results," notes John Fisher, Ph.D., one of the lead scientists on the study. "Compared to conventional walking, the experience of walking on the river rock-like surface of these manufactured cobblestone mats improved participants' balance, measures of mobility, as well as reducing their blood pressure.

"These issues are highly important for preventing and delaying the onset of frailty among older adults, as well as helping them maintain their current health status," he says.

Rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Cobblestone-like walking paths are common in China. The activity is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and relates to some of the principles of reflexology, in that the uneven surface of the cobblestones stimulate and regulate "acupoints" located on the soles of the feet.

These acupoints purportedly are linked to all organs and tissues of the body. Although there is considerable anecdotal evidence indicating the health benefits of cobblestone walking, (for example, pain relief, sleep enhancement, improved physical and mental well-being), no controlled studies have been undertaken to scientifically evaluate its benefits and efficacy until recently.

"We visited China and noticed that adults of all ages spent about 30 minutes each day walking, standing, and sometimes dancing on these beautifully laid paths of river stones in the parks and gardens of large cities. They did this for their health every day of the week," reports Fisher.

"We used manufactured mats that replicated these cobblestone paths and developed a special protocol so that participants gradually got used to walking on the uneven surface of the mats," he explains.

Therapeutic and Health-Enhancing

Participants in the study were divided into two groups -- the cobblestone mat walkers and a control group -- that took part in conventional walking activities for one hour, three times per week for 16 weeks.

At the end of the study, the mat walkers were found to have better scores on measures of balance, physical function and blood pressure than those in the conventional walking group.

Cobblestone-mat walking could provide a different choice of physical activity for many -- one that is both therapeutic and health-enhancing, and that can be done quickly and easily in the comfort of one's home. The mats are available directly from the Oregon Research Institute in Eugene, Oregon. More information can be obtained by cailling 541.484.2123.

The study was funded by the National Institute on Aging,