Exercise balls are a great tool for workouts in the gym and at home. Besides helping you stay fit, an exercise ball can help prevent blood clots. Blood clots pose a danger when they form in the lower extremities, as they can break loose from the vein and float to other parts of the body, such as the lungs, which can be fatal.
Causes
According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, blood clots can be caused by confinement to a chair for a long amount of time. This could describe you if you work behind a desk for the majority of your day. Additionally, if you have varicose veins, have had a recent surgery or a broken bone, you may be at risk for blood clots. In order to fully gauge your current risk level for blood clots, consult your personal physician.
Prevention
The AHRQ has found that you can help prevent blood clots through a variety of methods. Loose fitting clothing and socks or stockings will allow free circulation in your legs, which can help keep blood clots from forming. Also, the AHRQ states that exercising, staying active and moving around may help prevent blood clots by stimulating circulation. If you work in an office environment, do not sit or stand for longer than 1 hour at a time. Get up at least once an hour, if only to use the restroom or stretch.
Exercise Ball
Exercise balls can be beneficial to help preventing blood clots when you replace your standard office chair with one. Exercise balls have been used as office chairs to promote better posture and core strength. However, a less commonly known advantage of using an exercise ball is aiding circulation. Where common desk chairs put you in an inhibited position that stifles circulation, an exercise ball keeps you moving, as you must change positions for balance. This movement gets your blood flowing. Sitting with legs crossed is common and prevents proper circulation over an extended period. This position is not possible on an exercise ball.
Exercises
When on an exercise ball, there are a number of exercises you can complete throughout the day that are recommended to help prevent blood clotting. Rolling your ankles, lifting your knees and alternately pointing your heels and toes are all exercises that help prevent blood clots. It is also recommended to tense your legs regularly when sitting. When sitting on an exercise ball, you cannot help but tense your legs often in order to maintain balance.
Considerations
According to The Coalition to Prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis, living a healthy, active lifestyle and remaining active even when movement is restricted are two ways to help prevent blood clots. Using and exercise ball daily in the office will help you accomplish both of these goals. It is important however to consult your doctor if you have any preexisting health problems that may prevent you from using an exercise ball safely.
References
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality: Your Guide to Preventing and Treating Blood Clots
- BOSU: New School Sitting: Exercise Balls in Classrooms and Offices
- PreventDVT.org: DVT Traveling Tips
- Flight Health: Preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
- PreventDVT.org: DVT Prevention & Risk Management
