@article {Li:August 2005:0002-8614:1305,
	author = "Li, Fuzhong",
	author = "Fisher, K. John",
	author = "Harmer, Peter",
	title = "Improving Physical Function and Blood Pressure in Older Adults Through Cobblestone Mat Walking: A Randomized Trial",
	journal = "Journal of the American Geriatrics Society",
	volume = "53",
	year = "August 2005",
	abstract = "Objectives: <P></P>To determine the relative effects of cobblestone mat walking, in comparison with regular walking, on physical function and blood pressure in older adults. Design: <P></P>Randomized trial with allocation to cobblestone mat walking or conventional walking. Setting: <P></P>General community in Eugene, Oregon. Participants: <P></P>One hundred eight physically inactive community-dwelling adults aged 60 to 92 (mean age&#177;standard deviation=77.5&#177;5.0) free of neurological and mobility-limiting orthopedic conditions. Intervention: <P></P>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: <P></P>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: <P></P>At the 16-week posttest, differences between the two exercise groups were found for balance measures (<I>P</I>=.01), chair stands (<I>P</I>&#060;.001), 50-foot walk (<I>P</I>=.01), and blood pressure (<I>P</I>=.01) but not for the Up and Go test (<I>P</I>=.14). Although significant within-group changes were observed in both groups for the secondary outcome measures, there were no differences between intervention groups. Conclusion: <P></P>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.",
	pages = "1305-1312(8)",
	url = "http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/bsc/jgs/2005/00000053/00000008/art00005"
	doi = "doi:10.1111/j.1532-5415.2005.53407.x"
}