Cobblestone walking

I was browsing this months edition of "impact" the sports magizine in Calgary here. I think it's Calgary's magazine. Anyway one thing that caught my eye was these mats you could buy that had cobblestones on them. Then I looked it up on the internet and found a few interesting studies of the theraputic benefits of walking barefoot on cobblestones. They say it relates to reflexology and acupoints on your feet. One of these mats may actually be worth it. I know one time I may use it is after a long run, the soles of my feet often ache. I'm thinkin the recovery could be much better if i spent some time after the run walking on this thing. Anyways just a thought, I don't know if I'll actually get one. Interesting either way.

"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 are purportedly linked to all organs and tissues of the body. Although there is considerable anecdotal evidence indicating the health benefits of cobblestone walking, (e.g., pain relief, sleep enhancement, improved physical and mental well-being), until recently no controlled studies have been undertaken to scientifically evaluate its benefits and efficacy.
"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. 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," reported Fisher. Participants in the study, which was funded by the National Institute on Aging (Grant AG20470), were divided into an experimental group -- the cobblestone mat walkers -- and a control group which took part in conventional walking activities for one hour, three times per week for 16 weeks. At the end of the study, mat walkers were found to have better scores on measures of balance, physical function, and blood pressure than those in the conventional walking group. This new physical activity could provide a different choice of physical activity that is 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. Please phone 541.484.2123 for more information."

Source http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/06/050630055256.htm "Science Daily"