Recently, there has been something of a fad for replacing office chairs with exercise balls. On paper, this can look like a good idea. However, most of the claimed advantages behind this are lacking in evidence. What's more, there are a number of hazards associated with using an exercise ball instead of a regular office chair – and these are often not known or glossed over by the people and companies advocating their use.
The Theory
Before discussing the hazards of using exercise ball chairs in place of regular office chairs, it is worth looking at the reasons people make the switch in the first place. In other words, it is necessary to understand the theory behind the idea that this is a god thing to do.
Some people use exercise balls, others use specialist exercise ball chairs. The latter are much like regular chairs in that they have legs and a back. However, in place of the seat they have a large, bulging exercise ball. This means that you cannot sit securely and limply on the seat, but rather your body must make constant, small movements to maintain balance. This (it is claimed) exercises large groups of muscles slowly throughout the day and promotes better back and spinal health.
The Facts
In truth, there is little to no evidence supporting the claims of overall health benefits resulting from exercise ball. Experts are divided on the exact state of affairs, with some believing exercise balls are simply neutral from a health point of view and others believing they can actually cause problems such as spinal compression. There are, however, some definite risks to using them – especially for such prolonged periods as you would if you were using it in place of an office chair.
The greatest risk comes from stability. While your body is quite good at maintaining balance instinctively, when you are working you will not give much attention to doing so. Exercise ball chairs are extremely unstable, so when used for hours upon hours for five days a week the chance of falling off the chair becomes comparatively high.
There is also a danger of the ball collapsing or, if using a straightforward ball rather than a chair, rolling away. Once again, this creates a lot of potential for accidents and injury in a way which just does not apply to a regular, good-quality wooden office chair.
The potential for injury opens up another area of concern, and this one goes beyond the chair's user. When used in the workplace, the fact that exercise balls raise the risk of injury creates concerns about health and safety and employer liability. Employers are legally required to provide a safe environment in which their employees can work (this requirement stands even if you are self-employed and providing a work environment only for yourself). The risks entailed by exercise balls could compromise this and leave employers liable for any injuries that might occur.
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