Swiss Ball Neurologic Exercises

Swiss ball exercises have long been used for neurodevelopmental treatment. Originally called the Pezzi ball, the ball later got its current name of Swiss ball in the United States. Swiss balls improve balance, gait, range of motion and muscular strength with rehabilitation exercises for children and adults. Even sitting on the ball can stimulate systems in the brain affected by injuries, illnesses or trauma.

Sitting on the Ball

Sitting on the Swiss ball sounds like an easy task, but a lot goes on in the brain when a person sits on the unstable ball. Good balance and torso stabilization are important goals for people with neurological problems. If you are afraid to sit on the ball, have someone hold the ball for you and/or use other support like holding on a wall or a person's arm to assist your balance. Sitting up straight with your stomach muscles tight improves posture and torso stabilization. You should begin with your eyes open, but you may progress to closing the eyes for increased benefits when you are ready.

Wall Slides

Wall slides or ball squats with the ball behind the back are another functional exercise that strengthens the legs and stretches the spine through extension. Wall slides are a semi-dynamic exercise, though a static version of the exercise is possible as well. To use this as a static exercise, place the ball behind your back against a wall and hold your arms out to the sides with your palms facing forward. To progress to wall slides, place the ball behind the middle of your back and bend your knees slowly into a squat. Raise yourself back to a standing position to complete a wall slide. You may place the ball in the corner of a wall to make the exercise easier.

Strengthen the Back Extensors

Another goal for a neurological patient may be to strengthen the muscles that support the body against gravity. The muscles of the back work to extend the spine backwards and to stabilize the torso so the back stays flat. A Swiss ball can be used to strengthen these muscles. The quadraped and exercise targets the back muscles. To perform this exercise, kneel behind a Swiss ball and then lay on your stomach on top of the ball with your hands on the floor in front of you. Straighten the legs and hold your torso straight. Raise your left leg toward the ceiling. Lower your left leg and lift the right leg. Next, try lifting your left arm toward the ceiling and then the right--but not both arms at the same time.

Forward Flexion with Ball

Forward flexion is an exercise particularly useful for people with Parkinson's disease. You can do this exercise alone or with a partner to strengthen your shoulders and arms while increasing the range of motion in your shoulders. Stand in front of a table with the Swiss ball on the table in front of you. Place your left arm on top of the ball and then roll the ball forward slowly. Let your weight rest against the table and the ball as you roll it forward. Reverse the motion and pull the ball back. Switch sides. Another person can stand across from you on the other side of the table and put their arm on the ball too so you can do the exercise together.