14

Swiss Balls and Foam Rollers

Swiss ball: a large vinyl ball, actually developed by an Italian toy manufacturer, used in physical therapy and therapeutic exercise programs

Benefits Benefits of Swiss-Ball Exercisesof Swiss-Ball Exercises

Diversion from routine

Additional challenges

Can increase flexibility, strength, muscle endurance, balance, coordination, joint- and body-position awareness

Open and closed chain activitiesProvide for a progression

Can be used throughout the therapeutic exercise program

Challenges on Swiss BallsChallenges on Swiss Balls

Unstable surface requires greater balance.

Coordination is more difficult.

Joint- and body-position awareness is challenged.

Increasing Swiss-Ball Increasing Swiss-Ball ChallengesChallenges

Add resistance equipment.

Increase speed of movement.

Decrease base of support Fig 14.2.

Increase lever-arm length Fig 14.3.

Increase distance traveled Fig 14.4.

Fitting a Swiss BallFitting a Swiss Ball

Determine ball size by patient’s height (Table 14.1).

When patient is sitting on ball, the hips and knees should be at 90°.

Inflate ball to a level that permits this position.

Safety Factors Safety Factors With Swiss BallsWith Swiss Balls

Clothing free of objects that could puncture ball

No bouncing on ball with bending or twisting

Rubber-soled shoes for traction

Long hair restrained if necessary

Clothing that allows freedom of movement; sweatpants to protect knees

Contraindications Contraindications With Swiss Balls/Foam With Swiss Balls/Foam RollersRollers

Fear of the Swiss ball or fear of falling from ball

Increased pain

Any disease or injury that contraindicates the use of specific exercises

Dizziness

Swiss-Ball CareSwiss-Ball Care

Do not use outdoors.

Inflate the ball when it is at room temperature.

Keep away from excessive or prolonged heat sources.

Avoid abrasive or chemical cleaners; use soapy water and a cloth to clean the ball.

Keep out of direct sunlight.

foam roller: cylindrical therapeutic tools made of Ethafoam or polyurethane and used within rehabilitation in neurological, orthopedic, and sports medicine facilities

Benefits of Foam RollersBenefits of Foam Rollers

Improve body awareness and joint-position sense

Diversion from routine exercises while still accomplishing same goals

Enhance balance and proprioception

Inexpensive

Unstable surface provides challenges

Precautions Precautions and Contraindications – and Contraindications – of of bothboth

Vertigo

Full-weight-bearing restrictions

Hypermobility, acute fractures

Connective-tissue disorders

Nausea, light-headedness, pallor, or shortness of breath

Osteoporosis

Tumors

Anticoagulant medication

Exercises- Lower and Upper Exercises- Lower and Upper Body pp 431-452 for both Body pp 431-452 for both piecespieces

Massages and Stretches

Squats, Alternating legs, leg curls

Balancing

Triceps Press, Ball Toss

Core Strengthening

Push-ups, Resistive band, weights