If the ball is to be used as a chair, we recommend a
gradual introduction by the patient, sitting only as long as
is comfortable. Comfort will determine the amount of
time each day that a patient sits on the ball at work. Some
patients sit on the ball all day and some for part of the
day. Introducing the gym ball as a chair should follow the
same guidelines as the introduction of any new exercise
plan.
Evidence from our clinic suggests that replacing the
office chair with the gym ball can be helpful for some patients.
17 The two cases presented here may help to alleviate
some of the concerns that have been expressed by
critics of this use for the gym ball.
The first case is of a patient who at first found that sitting
on the ball was a painful experience. By having him
sit only as long as was comfortable and then as comfort
permitted, gradually increasing the time that he spent sitting
on the ball, he was able to sit on the ball for 20 to 30
minutes. This gradual introduction of gym ball use into
his rehabilitation resulted in a reduction in symptoms and
reduced dependence on chiropractic adjustments. We can
learn from this case that, as with any change in activity,
the gym ball must be introduced gradually, within the individual
patient’s capacity to accept change.
The second case may help alleviate some of the concerns
about use of the gym ball as an office chair. These
concerns include: spinal muscle fatigue, lack of back support,
no armrests, and the danger of falling off the ball.
This patient has used the gym ball as a chair for the past
five years with improved symptoms. The lack of armrests
and back support has been a non-issue as her back problem
has virtually disappeared and she has not fallen off
the ball. In our clinic over the past ten years, we have not
had any feedback about a patient falling off the ball when
using it as a chair. In discussion with colleagues I have
not found this to be a problem.