Swiss ball and LBP

I would be very interested to hear from anyone that routinely uses the Swiss ball for LBP rehab - either individually or as group work

Hi. there are a number of Physio's in Australia who use them for spinal stabilising programs - I used to use them for chronic pain problems but have stopped since a lady had a major flare up doing some of the Paul check type activities, which were simple enough for people without back pain, but I have since gone back a few steps to working on the floor or bed first. what country are you from? Are you following anyone's routines ? Have you seen the Paul check workshops? ( they are quite advanced but a good chalange)

Hi I am in London UK and use the Antiburst Mediballs extensively as part of my Pilates rehab work. Many of the floor based techniques work beautifully with the additional challenge of a ball either under the hands or beneath the feet. It beats most of the static lumbar stabilisation techniques although it should only be introduced as stability allows (It's not easy) :-)

i think swiss balls are great for core stability and have a huge role in the rehab and prevention of LBP. I feel they will be the focus of many exercise programs over the next few years. but i think you need to pick your patients. I tend to start my patients with a basic trans abd contraction in crook lying then progress to basic movements with trans abd contraction in lying and standing. Once they are good at this, i may go to the ball and start with simply sitting and then adding in UL and LL movement in sitting etc. As patient gets better can progress to more challenging stuff such as role forward with knees on ground, kneeling on ball, feet on ball and elbows on ground etc. the key is to maintain the lumbar spine in a neutral position using your stabilisers. If the patient flares up or cant do it regress the exercise as its prob a little too hard. The pilates courses etc are really good for examples of exercises you can do - they show basic ones and more challenging stuff also

In my team outpatients we have two spinal classes that my staff use Swiss balls in. Alow efforet class working on core stablity and a more aerobic one. I also use Swiss balls in my OA knee School to encourage patients with asscociated LBP to develop core stablity. we find most of our patients buy their own balls, very popular. we are doing an audit of the classses using a Roland Morris Questionarire before and after, to assess the outcome. Would be interested if you have used any outcome measurements

we are working in aberdeen and have used the swiss ball routinely for progressive stability work for a few years now. we have recently done a pilot study on mri and recruitment of multifidus following exercise with encouraging results, and now hope to progress that with a larger group and using an upright more functional scanner. Generally we have found patients find the ball exercise easier than the commonly prescribed 'stability' exercises , but care must be taken on starting levels and progression. Static trans abs etc we find are good in the extremely unstable population. It is also a great home trainer.

Hi Linda
I am a physio working for the army in Wiltshire, I use the swiss balls a lot & have been for about 3 years now I have recently co authored a manual on swiss ball training with the Bristol Rugby club physio it is available to buy through Premier Sports Medicals, Physical Company or ourselves. I find it excellent for improving core stability & great for advanced training. The army camp where I work love it & I am now getting the P.T.I unit interested, any more info just let me know
regards Barry Edwards