Ergonomics Canada 2008 - (Page 13) On or Off the Ball? Studies show that sitting on a stability ball to perform tasks is not as good for your body as a chair. By Margo Fraser, M.Sc., CCPE Often touted by suppliers and some rehabilitation professionals as a way to promote motion, increase core stability and to force the individual to “sit up straight” while sitting at the office, those working long hours at computers and desks may question whether they should be sitting on a ball rather than a chair. Researchers from the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Waterloo decided to answer the question. They examined both just sitting on a stability ball or chair (doing no work) to sitting and performing computer work and reading tasks on a ball or chair. Levels of major back and abdominal muscle activity, lumbar flexion (forward bending), compression of the spine, stability, and pressure distribution while sitting were recorded. No significant differences were found in the level of muscle activity between just sitting (doing no work) on the ball or chair. In fact, the muscle activity for both types of seat was very low. As well, no significant differences between the ball and chair were found in the amount of forward bending, spine compression or stability. However, in subjective measures of discomfort, whole body discomfort was significantly higher when sitting on the ball. Thus, there is little support for the use of a stability ball for sitting tasks. For those who insist on using a stability ball, Dr. Jack Callaghan, CCPE, Canada Research Chair in Spine Biomechanics and Injury Prevention suggests that the high levels of discomfort can be mitigated if the user gradually builds up to longer periods of sitting on the ball. More effective strategies for reducing the risk of developing musculoskeletal injuries in the office environment are to ensure the workstation is set up well for function and comfort, to take a short break at least hourly to get up and move and to work on core stability through regular exercise. References: Gregory, D.E, Dunk, N.M., Callaghan, J.P. (2006). Stability ability ball verses office chair: comparison arison of muscle activation and lumbar umbar spine posture during prolonged sited ting. Human Factors, Spring 2006, 142-153 McGill, S.M., Kavcic, N.S., Harvey, E. (2006). Sitting on a chair or an exercise ball: Various perspecrspectives to guide decision making. aking. Clinical Biomechanics, 21, 353-360 3-360 Our Corporate Members! Thank-you to our corporate members for their interest in and support of ergonomics in Canada! Nos membres corporatifs! Merci à nos membres corporatifs pour l’intérêt et le soutien portés à l’égard de l’ergonomie au Canada! The Global Group www.globaltotaloffice.com The Global Group www.globaltotaloffice.com ergoCentric Seating Systems www.ergocentric.com ergoCentric Seating Systems www.ergocentric.com Entrac www.entrac.ca Consultants en ergonomie et en mieux-être www.ceme.qc.ca Entrac www.entrac.ca Consultants en ergonomie et en mieux-être www.ceme.qc.ca Association of Canadian Ergonomists • Association canadienne d’ergonomie 13 http://www.globaltotaloffice.com http://www.globaltotaloffice.com http://www.ergocentric.com http://www.ergocentric.com http://www.entrac.ca http://www.entrac.ca http://www.ceme.qc.ca http://www.ceme.qc.ca
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