Calculated stability and compression values showed sitting on the ball made no difference in mean response values. One study found that, “Prolonged sitting on a stability ball does not greatly alter the manner in which an individual sits, yet it appears to increase the level of discomfort.”Īnother study found that, “There was no difference in muscle activation profiles of each of the 14 muscles between sitting on the stool and ball. Virtually all of the research points to exercise balls causing more problems than solutions, and most experts recommend sticking to a traditional (ergonomically correct) office chair. A look at the scientific evidence behind exercise balls as office chairs Let’s take a look at the scientific evidence. So, are these benefits the real deal? Is it smart to replace your office chair with an exercise ball?

When the core is engaged, they say, the user burns more calories than they would sitting in a traditional office chair. The idea of sitting on an exercise ball instead of a traditional office chair is that the instability of an exercise ball requires the user to increase trunk muscle activation and thus increase core strength, improve posture and decrease discomfort.Īnother benefit ball chair supporters claim is increased calorie burn. The idea behind using an exercise ball instead of an office chair What do the ergonomics experts have to say? Using exercise balls as office chairs seems to be taking off as the latest strategy aimed at reducing fatigue, discomfort and sitting disease, but is it really effective? That way, they claimed, you get a little extra exercise and develop better posture at the same time. The advice your friend gave you was to replace your office chair with an exercise ball. So when a friend tells you about an interesting possible solution to this problem, you’re intrigued. You know that sitting all day is bad for you. Is this a good idea? What does the science of ergonomics have to say? Let’s find out. One of the latest trends in office ergonomics is the use of exercise balls to replace the traditional office chair.

Exercise ball for desk