We performed an exercise tolerance test using stepping apparatuses with or without projections on the surface (apparatuses A and B, respectively) that have a built-in spring with stepping pressure of 10 kg, and compared the effects on the body. The subjects placed the soles on the stepping apparatus in the sitting position and stepped using the strength of their legs.
　The results were summarized as follows ;
　1 ) The energy expenditure in stepping exercise using apparatus A was 9.0 ml/kg/min. This corresponds to walking at the rate of 50 m/min.
　2 ) As for the circulatory responses, the heart rate increased by about 6% after stepping for five minutes and by about 29% after stepping for ten minutes both in exercise with apparatus A and in exercise with apparatus B. However, blood pressure did not change after five or ten minutes.
　3 ) Electromyogram of the dorsal muscles in the lumbar region during exercise showed more marked responses to apparatus A than to apparatus B.
　4 ) The mean skin temperature in the footsoles before exercise was compared with those after stepping for one, three, five and ten minutes with apparatus A and with apparatus B separately. The skin temperature in stepping exercise using apparatus A increased in each duration ; the degree of increase was the most remarkable after stepping for ten minutes.
　These results suggest that stepping exercise using apparatus A reinforces leg strength and plays a supplementary role in decreasing shortage of exercise. In addition, plantar stimulation by projections had marked thermal effects.

DESCENTE SPORTS SCIENCE Vol.16/THE DESCENTE AND ISHIMOTO MEMORIAL FOUNDATION FOR THE PROMOTION SPORTS SCIENCE