Exercise balls are gaining popularity in the office and the classroom, replacing the confines of the traditional desk chair. Sitting for long periods of time, particularly in an ill-fitting or uncomfortable chair leads to neck and back pain, as well as tight and rounded shoulders and problems with posture. Using an exercise ball as an office chair is worth considering, especially for those who spend hours sitting at a desk.
Strengthens Core and Leg Muscles
Ergonomic experts at Indiana University issued a press release in November, 2009, confirming that using an exercise ball as an office chair strengthens core muscles and provides more freedom of movement than conventional office chairs, potentially reducing the risk of developing musculosketal disorders from sitting too long. Furthermore, they found that while sitting on an exercise ball, reaching with the non-dominant hand resulted in different firing patterns in the leg muscles, teaching the lower body some new skills. More muscle recruitment in the lower body is involved to stabilize the ball while moving parts of the upper body.
Reduces Back Pain
Two cases that were studied and reported in 2007 by the "Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association" involving exercise balls being used as office chairs by back-pain patients. The first case illustrated that the gradual introduction of an exercise ball as an office chair resulted in a reduction in back pain symptoms and reduced dependence on chiropractic adjustments. The patient in the second case has been using the ball as a chair for five years and has shown improvement in symptoms, dispelling concerns of spinal muscle fatigue, lack of back support, no armrests and the danger of falling off the ball. The lack of armrests and back support has been a non-issue as her back problems have virtually disappeared and she has never fallen off the ball.
Improves Balance and Energy
"Active sitting" is involved when using a ball as a chair, forcing your body to find its center of gravity in an ergonomic position that uses deep core muscles, and promotes health benefits including improved balance and spinal alignment. As you move, the ball moves, and your muscles must continually reengage to keep you balanced on the ball, giving these muscles a mini-workout all day long. This freedom of movement makes you feel more energetic and helps keep stress at bay, compared to a static slouching position in a regular desk chair that over time will constrict the diaphragm, leading to shallow breathing, a sluggish metabolism, less energy and greater fatigue.
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