NIOSHTIC-2 Publications Search

Unstable sitting in the workplace -- are there physical activity benefits?

Lowe BD; Swanson NG; Hudock SD; Lotz WG

Am J Health Promot 2015 Mar/Apr; 29(4):207-209

https://doi.org/10.4278/ajhp.140331-cit-127

20045902

The increasingly popular practice of using a stability ball (exercise/fitness ball) as a sitting surface runs counter to conventional human factors/ergonomics guidelines for seated workspace design. Employees sitting on stability balls in an office environment present safety risks that might be justifiable if the practice has a definitive benefit to the promotion of health. However, the published studies and best evidence to date call into question even the theoretical basis for this practice and do not suggest significant health benefits. First, biomechanical studies do not confirm the intended trunk muscle activation. Second, energy expenditure studies show a small (if any) increase in metabolic demand that is unlikely to be effective in combating sedentary work risk factors. Until studies demonstrate more conclusive benefits, the practice of stability ball sitting should be viewed skeptically as a general workplace recommendation in the interest of health or wellness.

Physiology; Physiological-effects; Physical-fitness; Physical-exercise; Office-workers; Office-furniture; Office-equipment; Ergonomics; Equipment-design; Safety-measures; Risk-factors; Biomechanics; Muscle-function; Muscle-physiology; Muscles; Musculoskeletal-system; Metabolic-activation; Metabolism; Workers

Brian D. Lowe, PhD, Division of Applied Research and Technology, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 1090 Tusculum Ave., MS C-24, Cincinnati, OH 45226

AJHPED

20150301

Journal Article

blowe@cdc.gov

2015

4

0890-1171

DART

American Journal of Health Promotion

OH