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A recently completed study by scientists at the Oregon Research Institute (ORI) in Eugene confirmed earlier findings from a pilot study that walking on a cobblestone mat surface resulted in significant reductions in blood pressure and improvements in balance and physical performance among adults 60 and over. An article published in an early online publication of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society summarizes the study results in a randomized trial.

"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."

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.

More info from the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society...

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I saw this article in the daily mail recently. Whilst the authors are not stating a direct link to reflexology stimulation, as a Podiatrist and Reflexologist I was interested in the slight confusion. Reflexology and acupuncture are very different in that reflexology does not have acupoints but the whole foot is a reflex access to the various aspects of the body. That is, each millimeter of soft tissue of the foot can be an access reflex. I do not think that reflexology access is the key

The idea of the acupoints holds a little more weight for me but the key here is one of how information is passed. Within psychotherapy there has been an increasing use of acupoints in treating many emotional and mental conditions.

Here the key is to link the specific thought of a situation to a specific sequence of acupoint stimulations.

i.e. the person thinks about their concern whilst specific points are used and the concern can subside and even disappear

The result is usually an immediate and long term resolution of the problem. Whilst the bodies energy systems points are used it is the ability to in put “information” through this system that is significant especially as it appears virtually instantaneous.

Whatever the cobble walking does, and because in the realms of other medicine the information highway of the energy system appears to be successful, perhaps we should give it a look. Not only in terms of balance but also the passage of information has that arisen from orthosis intervention?

It is also interseting to use this treatment of the points, together with the trauma thought, an person has when they have fallen badly. It is not unusual to notice that the fear of fall is the inhibitor in actually letting yourself balance.

Ian