International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences Vol. 6(2), pp. 30 - 37
DOI: 10.13189/saj.2018.060202
Reprint (PDF) (371Kb)

Impact of Stability Ball Sitting during Semi-recumbent Exercise

Charles R.C. Marks ^*, Steve Grapsas , Deborah Malushi
Human Movement Science, Exercise Science Program, School of Health Sciences, Oakland University, Rochester, MI, USA

ABSTRACT

Purpose: This study determined if sitting on a stability ball (B), when compared to sitting on a chair (C), affects cardiorespiratory and muscular recruitment during semi-recumbent exercise. Methods: Participants sat on B or C behind a cycle ergometer using the bike seat for hand griping. Open-circuit spirometry and HR were monitored continuously during graded exercise. Initial two stages of exercise also had hip movements and the right arm, trunk, and leg EMGs recorded. Eighteen apparently healthy adults exercised twice, one trial on B and the other trial on C (order randomized). ANOVA for repeated measures (α < 0.05) was used for statistical analysis. Results: Only at peak was VO₂ significantly higher (P = 0.001) for B compared to C. There was no significant (P = 0.291) difference between B and C for HR. Stage 2 hip movements were significantly (P < 0.001) higher while some leg EMGs were significantly (P < 0.019) lower on B compared to C. In addition, flexor digitorum EMG was significantly (P < 0.036) higher on B compared to C. Conclusion: The stability ball increases hip motion and may alter muscular recruitment pattern during semi-recumbent exercise with little impact on cardiorespiratory parameters.

KEYWORDS
Cardiovascular, Aerobic Leg Exercise, Swiss Ball, VO₂

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Charles R.C. Marks , Steve Grapsas , Deborah Malushi , "Impact of Stability Ball Sitting during Semi-recumbent Exercise," International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences, Vol. 6, No. 2, pp. 30 - 37, 2018. DOI: 10.13189/saj.2018.060202.

(b). APA Format:
Charles R.C. Marks , Steve Grapsas , Deborah Malushi (2018). Impact of Stability Ball Sitting during Semi-recumbent Exercise. International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences, 6(2), 30 - 37. DOI: 10.13189/saj.2018.060202.