Using a Fitness Ball as a Chair
The fitness ball (also known as a 'Swiss', 'exercise' or 'physio' ball) is an inflatable ball designed for use in training and exercise programs, with a variety of exercises targeting different parts of the body. It is also used in physical rehabilitation programs, usually under the direction of a qualified instructor or health professional. Fitness ball manufacturers suggest that individuals may also find them useful to reduce back pain in sitting and to increase postural control. Some organisations and individuals have adapted their original use to one of providing a dynamic sitting surface, in place of a conventional office or workplace chair, in the belief that it will be of benefit to workers with back pain.
There is little, if any,
evidence of scientific trials or studies to demonstrate that the effect fitness
balls have in exercise and training makes them suitable for use on a daily basis
as a seat at work.
When giving
advice on the use of a fitness ball (also known under other names such as
exercise, Swiss, physio, etc) as a chair to employees, we ensure that, as a
health professional, we have prescribed and documented it for a specific
person’s condition that is being or has just been treated. We also consider the
person’s cognitive and physical capabilities in recommending the ball. We
advise both the employee and the employer in writing as well, since the
liabilities in using these balls as “office chairs” is so great that many
employers will not support this in their offices unless properly prescribed.
If properly prescribed by a health professional as a documented treatment or part of their rehabilitation plan, along with recommendations over length of time over the day, duration of use and any other complementing treatments, then the employer has a legal obligation to allow this under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. It is the employer’s responsibility to support the employee’s rehabilitation. Consistent with the employers duties/responsibilities under the various Occupational Health and Safety Acts, an employer needs to assess the risks to health and safety where balls are used, or planned to be used, as seating at work as this is a responsibility of all employers under legislation.
It should be noted that if using a ball as a chair:
þ it should be properly "measured" to fit the user
þ the ball used for exercising is unlikely to be a suitable size for use as a chair and vice versa
þ it is best to alternate the ball as a chair with a regular office chair
þ a ball seat is not adjustable for different tasks.
A fitness ball used as chair would constitute a daily regimen of constant exercising required to maintain balances and posture and there is no evidence that the use of the ball every day has a beneficial effect as is expected of an exercise program but may cause fatigue from sustained exercising.
When using a computer, people sit performing tasks that require concentration, good posture, stability and visual access. Without adequate back support and appropriate inclination, sitting can significantly increase the load on the discs. There is also no ability or facility in a ball to incline a backrest, a useful alternative supported posture when sitting at desks for long periods of time.
Known hazards include:
þ the initial upright posture is more likely to be lost over a long period of sitting because there is not full seat and back support
þ upright postures are not able to be maintained during tasks requiring any reaching or moving around
þ employees cannot swivel or navigate around the workstation, particularly the problem with multi-tasking
þ getting on and off or reaching from the ball may constitute a falling hazard
þ the sitting surface does not provide adequate support for the buttocks and thighs
þ the ball is not readily adjustable.
The use of a fitness ball to provide exercise opportunity should not be confused with the requirement to provide suitable and safe workplace equipment. From the literature to date, researchers do not recommend the fitness ball to be a generic alternative to conventional seating in the workplace. Because employees use fitness balls for exercise, which includes sitting posture, this does not make them suitable for seating at work.
(Parts of this article are based on a Guidance Note issued by WorkSafe Victoria)