“Fumanet” ふまねっと運動 (Fumanet exercise )
 
”ふまないネット”(Fumanai Net) - don’t step on the net.     

The word “Fumanet" originated from the Japanese phrase “Don’t step on the net”. The concept of this exercise is created with a special net that is spread out on the floor. 　Participants must individually walk with controlled movements from one end to another. 　In addition, individuals must avoid placing a foot on cross lines of the net. 　Depending on age and physical capability specific step difficulties will vary. 　For example, a senior citizen with walking impairments would focus on taking steps in one direction. On the other hand, a more capable participant will step in many directions in order to complete the course.    

​Benefits of Fumanet

Prevent dementia 
Improve stability (less falling)
Aids to help clinical depression and mood disorders
Reduce social anxiety

Study showed that Fumanet Exercises improved 6.8% in Executive function, which is the mental process skill, and 11.5% in walking function with 60 minutes per week for eight weeks.  

~“Machigattemo Kinishinai”(まちがってもきにしない~ Never mind making a mistake~ making simple mistakes brings natural warm laughter to relax and create an at home community.
     
Fumanet provides social participation opportunities for elderly and socially weak people. A vibrant atmosphere accompanied by encouragement helps to improve self esteem and self worth. 　As a result, individuals would be promoted from being receivers of social support to become more self-efficient individuals.

Features of Fumanet Exercise 

Improvement for Neural control function of the brain by multitasking seven different functions at the same time.     
(1) Walking    
(2) Sensory function ~ perceive environment in order to warn against danger     
(3) Cognition  ~ Fumanet Exercises have many different steps to learn and memorize         in certain order    
(4) Adjustment of balance ~ Walking slowly while exaggerating the height of steps             requires frequent fine balance adjustment.       (5) Physical coordination ~ Keeping up with the steady tempo helps body movements                 created with the kinematic and kinetic parameters that result in intended             actions.      
(6)Attention ~ Adding clapping to the Fumanet steps requires mental focus and             timing.      
(7)Singing      

​Essentially, Fumanet is a slow walking exercise with unique sets of steps.  Anyone with/without disabilities, walking difficulties, or physical weakness can participate.  Most ordinary exercises are designed to increase muscle strength, but the Fumanet Exercise helps total balance of ADL(Activities of Daily Living) and QOL(Quality Of Life) for independent living.