The company (which is also the parent group of Panasonic) in conjunction with Nagoya University, Japan has developed a horseback-riding exercise machine which it claims to provide a low-impact workout which also helps reverse insulin resistance of diabetes.

The machine, which looks more like a mechanical saddle than a horse, was tested out by six diabetics. Each trained with the machine for 30 minutes a day, four to five times a week for three months. The co-developers measured the resting glucose metabolism of the testers before and after the three-month training.

Matsushita found that continued training using the Joba elevates the resting glucose metabolism by approximately 45 percent. Continued exercise increase this amount and cessation of the exercise resulted in lowering the amount, the company claims.

The company also says that horse-riding therapy helps develop dorsal and abdominal muscular strength, prevent back pain problems and improve balance.

Unfortunately, the machine is not available in Australia, though it is enjoying success in the Japanese market. The company has released two updated models since its original Joba and sales are increasing at a claimed 2000 units per month since release.

See: www.mew.co.jp