Ask An Expert

Sun Herald

Sunday November 16, 2008

Ask An Expert: Jo Hegerty.

Peter Fazey

president, Australian

Physiotherapy Association

Is it good for me to sit on an exercise ball all day at work?

Sitting down is a necessary activity that allows our bodies to rest, gives our muscles time to recover and takes pressure off joints. In general, sitting on an exercise ball is a good thing, but as for how long you should do it - that depends on what you want to achieve.

Sitting on a chair is usually a passive posture, as the shape of the chair supports us, whereas an exercise ball is more likely to encourage muscle activity around the trunk, pelvis and shoulders.

There is evidence that correct posture helps muscles to work more effectively and this occurs if you sit correctly on an exercise ball. However, sitting on an exercise ball does not automatically equate to good posture - in fact, most people are unaware what constitutes good posture. If you sit up too straight, joints and muscles can be overloaded, leading to muscle imbalance and pain. If you are not straight enough, muscle function is not promoted and discs and ligaments can become strained. Good posture of the pelvis and lower back also assists the upper back, shoulders and neck to work more efficiently.

You need to ease gradually into any exercise that works your muscles. Anyone who is deskbound all day should ensure their workstation is ergonomically designed, that their posture is appropriate and that they take regular breaks to move around and maintain circulation, especially in the legs.

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© 2008 Sun Herald

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