205709 Public health implications of lower body musculature involvement while using a stability ball at a workstation

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Kelly Baute, MS , Indiana University, School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, Bloomington, IN
Bill Wyatt, MS , Indiana University, School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, Bloomington, IN
Eric Holten, MS , Indiana University, School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, Bloomington, IN
Allison Berger, MS , Indiana University, School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, Bloomington, IN
John Shea, PhD , Indiana University, School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, Bloomington, IN
Fernando Ona, PhD, MPH , Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Background: A stability ball is often promoted and used at workstations to decrease workers back pain or injury. Previous research has found no difference between sitting on a stability ball without a back however, their use of at work sites is still prevalent.

Purpose: This study examines potentially beneficial effects of using stability balls at work site stations and focuses on the role of lower body musculature as a significant stabilizing role in workstation performance.

Methods: This study recruited nine, college-age right hand dominant male subjects. EMG activity was measured for muscle contraction onset, duration and intensity. A two-way MANOVA of trials by phase of movement was conducted to determine the change in muscle activity for all muscle groups. Muscle onset, duration and intensity data were measured for all trials by phases. A planned comparison analysis was conducted to determine the difference in the intensity of muscle contraction between dominant and non-dominant sides across all four muscle groups investigated. A separate planned comparison analysis was conducted to determine the difference in the intensity of muscle contraction between dominant and non-dominant sides by phase of movement.

Results: The main effect for all dependent variables by trial found no significance for any muscle group. However, the effects for phase of movement was significant for all muscles. The results indicate that stability balls at workstations may need to address dominant-side effects to reduce repetitive workstation injuries.

Learning Objectives:
1.Describe the efficacy of incorporating non-traditional ergonomic aids into the workplace 2.Compare dominant side versus non-dominant side motor patterns 3.Assess the effect on workers’ interface at workstations in learning and executing motor skill tasks 4.Discuss health and safety design challenges of workstations that use stability balls

Keywords: Occupational Health, Worksite

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have been working in collaboration with Senior and Junior faculty at Indiana University to conduct this research. I have a MS degree in Kinesiology and am working a doctoral degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis in public health. The research team comprises of public health professionals and health and safety experts.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

See more of: Occupational Health and Safety Posters
See more of: Occupational Health and Safety