1. 14
Swiss Balls and Foam Rollers

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

3. Benefits of 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 activities
Provide for a progression
Can be used throughout the therapeutic exercise program

4. Challenges on Swiss Balls
Unstable surface requires greater balance.
Coordination is more difficult.
Joint- and body-position awareness is challenged.

5. Increasing Swiss-Ball Challenges
Add resistance equipment.
Decrease base of support Fig 14.2.
Increase lever-arm length Fig 14.3.
Increase distance traveled Fig 14.4.
Increase speed of movement.

6. Fitting 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.

7. Safety Factors With Swiss Balls
Clothing free of objects that could puncture ball
Rubber-soled shoes for traction
Clothing that allows freedom of movement; sweatpants to protect knees
No bouncing on ball with bending or twisting
Long hair restrained if necessary

8. Contraindications With Swiss Balls/Foam Rollers
Fear of the Swiss ball or fear of falling from ball
Increased pain
Dizziness
Any disease or injury that contraindicates the use of specific exercises

9. Swiss-Ball Care Do not use outdoors.
Keep away from excessive or prolonged heat sources.
Keep out of direct sunlight.
Inflate the ball when it is at room temperature.
Avoid abrasive or chemical cleaners; use soapy water and a cloth to clean the ball.

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

11. Benefits of Foam Rollers
Improve body awareness and joint-position sense
Enhance balance and proprioception
Unstable surface provides challenges
Diversion from routine exercises while still accomplishing same goals
Inexpensive

12. Precautions and Contraindications – of both
Vertigo
Hypermobility, acute fractures
Nausea, light-headedness, pallor, or shortness of breath
Full-weight-bearing restrictions
Osteoporosis
Connective-tissue disorders
Anticoagulant medication
Tumors

13. Exercises- Lower and Upper Body pp 431-452 for both pieces
Massages and Stretches
Balancing
Core Strengthening
Squats, Alternating legs, leg curls
Push-ups, Resistive band, weights
Triceps Press, Ball Toss