In recent years the stability ball has increased in popularity as a common tool used in physiotherapy practice. However its uses have been taken out of the gym and into the workplace as an alternative to the traditional desk chair in an attempt to combat back pain through the belief of encouraging a better sitting position. MethodTwenty eight subjects participated in the study, sourced from the student population of the University of Teesside. Postural information was collected using the Microscribe 3DX Digitiser from Immersion Corp Ltd. (California). A desk chair with the back rest removed was used and categorized as a stable seating type, allowing comparison to the unstable stability ball. Spinal curvature was recorded at the point of initial sitting, and through 10 minute intervals for a total of 30 minutes on each of the seating types. A usability questionnaire was completed by each subject following each sitting trial. ResultsThe results showed no significant difference with regard to spinal curvature between seating types (p > 0.05).
And, I surely don't blame people for scooping them up off the shelves so quickly! Once you try a balance ball chair, you may just wonder how you ever survived without one. If you've tried these ball chairs, you know the comfort and positioning solutions I am talking about. If not, you just "gotta" try them! Up until a few years ago, the best we could offer children (and adults) with the need for dynamic seating was the "disc-o-sit" or "movin' sit" cushions, and the T-stool. Don't get me wrong, these are excellent options too (cheaper than some of the ball chairs, and more convenientlygreat for school seating). But, now, my dream would be for these ball chairs to be offered to individuals in as many settings as possible; computer labs/desks, home offices, or a desk used for doing homework. Their benefits are unique and (dare I say) almost necessary for: adults with posture, circulation, or back problems children (or adults) with ADD/ADHD
individuals who need dynamic seating individuals with low muscle tone sensory processing disorderFrom a sensory perspective, An exercise ball chair IS THE BEST SEATING SOLUTION for children (or adults) with issues regarding balance, postural control, attention, and sensory seeking behaviors of the vestibular and proprioceptive sense. There are different types of of ball chairs available. plastic exercise ball chair without arms metal balance ball chair without arms metal exercise ball chair with arms SitBall (tm) with seat-ring grips therapy ball on top of holder, "ball bowl", or stabilizer ring exercise ball chair with legs textured balance ball chairs exercise ball chair with weighted bottom"oval" shaped ball that sits in a "1/2 moon" frame Which TYPE of ball chair you choose will depend on three main factors: 1. How much money you want to spend (anywhere from $20-$450). 2. What size and type of exercise ball chair you want/need
for the proper seating position. 3. What "issues" the ball chair will be addressing (i.e., dynamic seating, posture, balance, comfort, sensory issues, etc.).You get what you pay for (unfortunately for If it is for an adult or older child, the ErgoChair (tm), metal or plastic ball chair with or without arms (based on your preference) will do. Oh, how comfortable they will be! If it is for a younger child (or you can't afford the best), then any of the exercise balls with a weighted bottom, with legs, or that sits in a stabilizing ring/holder will do. If it is for sensory issues only (i.e., dynamic seating, proprioceptive, or vestibular input), the Sit-or-Go (tm) SitBall cover and ball would be a great choice (bonus: doubles as aEven if this one isn't available or affordable know that the continuous postural adjustments a child will need to make while sitting on such a comfortable "seat" may mean the difference between being
able to pay attention or not in the classroom, between A's and C's. more they have to adjust, the more input they receive, the more calm and focused they will be! Just remember to get the right size ball for a proper fit (usually knees and hips bent at 90 degrees, no more). Hint: If you get the metal or plastic exercise ball chairs, such as you see below, they are Ball chairs: Truly an inventive, ergonomic, dynamic, outrageously comfortable, seating alternative! Click Here For MORE Sensory Integration Products! Wondering If You Or Your Child Has A Sensory Processing Disorder? Here For An Extensive, Free, Printable Checklist Leave Exercise Ball Chair Page And Return To The SPD Home Page Pacifiers okay to use for SPD issues (of hyposensitive kind)???? My 5 yr. old son has been without a pacifier only since March of this year (he at that point only used it for car rides and for going to sleep). Autism with SPD in Middle Age I was diagnosed with autism as a child, and had never heard of SPD until recently;