Improving physical function and blood pressure in older adults through cobblestone mat walking: a randomized trial

OBJECTIVES: To determine the relative effects of cobblestone mat walking, in comparison with regular walking, on physical function and blood pressure in older adults. DESIGN: Randomized trial with allocation to cobblestone mat walking or conventional walking. SETTING: General community in Eugene, Oregon. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred eight physically inactive community-dwelling adults aged 60 to 92 (mean age+/-standard deviation=77.5+/-5.0) free of neurological and mobility-limiting orthopedic conditions. INTERVENTION: Participants were randomized to a cobblestone mat walking condition (n=54) or regular walking comparison condition (n=54) and participated in 60-minute group exercise sessions three times per week for 16 consecutive weeks. MEASUREMENTS: Primary endpoint measures were balance (functional reach, static standing), physical performance (chair stands, 50-foot walk, Up and Go), and blood pressure (systolic, diastolic). Secondary endpoint measures were Short Form-12 physical and mental health scores and perceptions of health-related benefits from exercise. RESULTS: At the 16-week posttest, differences between the two exercise groups were found for balance measures (P=.01), chair stands (P<.001), 50-foot walk (P=.01), and blood pressure (P=.01) but not for the Up and Go test (P=.14). Although significant within-group changes were observed in both groups for the secondary outcome measures, there were no differences between intervention groups. CONCLUSION: Cobblestone mat walking improved physical function and reduced blood pressure to a greater extent than conventional walking in older adults. Additional benefits of this walking program included improved health-related quality of life. This new physical activity may provide a therapeutic and health-enhancing exercise alternative for older adults.