Health Benefits of Cobblestone-Mat Walking: Preliminary Findings

This study examined the effect of cobblestone-mat walking on older adults. Community-dwelling older adults (N = 40) were randomized into either an 8week cobblestone-mat walking activity (n = 22) or a control group (n = 18). Cobblestone-mat walking entailed three 45-min sessions per week. Primary outcomes included SF-12 (mental, physical), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), psychophysical well-being, daytime sleepiness, and pain. Secondary outcomes included resting blood pressure and perceived control of falls. The walkers experienced significantly improved (p < . 04) SF-12 scores, IADLs, and psychophysical well-being and significantly reduced (p < .01) daytime sleepiness and pain. They also reported significantly (p < .05) improved perceptions of control over falls. A significant between-groups difference in resting diastolic blood pressure was observed (p < .05), with reductions in the walkers. A significant within-group reduction (p < .05) in systolic blood pressure was observed in the walkers only. The data indicate that 8 weeks of cobblestone-mat walking can significantly improve health-related outcomes in older adults.■