The occupational therapy ball technique is based on the principle that using core muscle groups to maintain balance provides continuous physical stimulation, engaging the brain to promote greater awareness and focus. The technique is particularly beneficial for children and adults affected by physical limitations because of injury or disease, or y learning disabilities stemming from attention-deficit or sensory-perception disorders.
Pediatric Applications
According to a 2003 single case design study published in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy, children perform better in the classroom when seated on therapy balls rather than on standard chairs. The study involved 24 fourth-grade children, three of whom had attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD. It measured behavior, social interaction, word recognition, writing skills and concentration. The results showed significant improvements in all areas for all of the students, including the children with ADHD.
In 2007, the Mayo Clinic launched a study of creative ways to increase physical activity in the classroom to reduce childhood obesity. The study monitored 24 elementary schoolchildren that were grouped into three educational environments: A traditional classroom setting with standard desks and chairs, a similar environment that permitted frequent standing, or an "activity-permissive" setting that allowed the children to use therapy balls. The researchers found that the children with learning disorders in the activity-permissive setting performed better than their counterparts in the traditional environments.
The occupational therapy ball technique is also used as sensory integration activity for children with sensory processing disorders, such as tactile defensiveness, proprioceptive dysfunction (sensory-seeking conduct) and various broad-spectrum autistic disorders. The therapeutic goal is to stimulate the vestibular system, which regulates sense of space, motion and balance.
Using the Technique with Adults
The occupational therapy ball technique might also benefit adults with mild cognitive dysfunction, because the movement encourages increased alertness and concentration. It also helps those with impaired mobility caused by disease, surgery or orthopedic injury. In addition to using this technique to target and strengthen specific muscles, it can be used to improve balance, coordination and core stability.
Considerations
Successful administration of the occupational therapy ball technique relies upon the patient fitting the ball. The balls come in a range of sizes to accommodate infants and children, as well as adults weighing up to 500 pounds. Ideally, the diameter of the ball should be the near-equivalent of the distance between the user's fingertips and armpit. The user should also be able to sit comfortably on the therapy ball with a 90-degree bend of the knees.
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