Scientific testing has been done on the Stroll Path manufactured by a
Japanese company. Temperature and circulation were measured following
the use of a Stroll Path for five minutes. Thermography was utilized
to record the change in the feet's temperature before and after
walking on embedded-rock-like surface of the Stroll
Path.
Japanese cosmetics company Shiseido had built Stroll Paths at one factory for its employees health rather than a gym/health club. Every rock, log and bridge in the stroll path is designed to work a particular part of the foot. A bridge is intended to stimulate the toes of the foot, for example. The project has proven to be so successful that Shiseido has hired a construction company to manufacture and install stroll paths. The Stroll Paths are sold to other companies for their employees well being.
To imagine a stroll path, think of sections of sidewalk with various raised patterns. One section consists of log-like concrete rolls to walk over. Another features embedded chipped marble. Another consists of large river rocks embedded in concrete.
(Just as tai chi exercises are pictured as a common sight in the parks of China, an American businessman who lives in Taiwan reports that Stroll Paths and people using them are a common sight in that country's parks in the morning.)
Shisiedo
©2003 Kunz and Kunz