Posted By Alison Melrose
John,

I was recommended one of these when I hurt my back a few years back. There are different sizes available and can come with or without a stand (to hold it in place) so a lot will depend on the one she gets. If it has a stand it will be a bit more stable but these type tend to be a lot more expensive!

Her physio will likely provide advice and training on the ball before she brings it into the place of work (and I would suggest asking her to get a letter from the physio stating that training has been given).

They should not be used for extended periods at a computer workstation as they are normally lower than the desk and would mean she would raise her shoulders / arms to type (which could result in upper limb pain). She would be better using it for breaks from her workstation and not as her main chair.

If she is small in height then provide her with a footrest with her ordinary chair and ensure she is sitting at the correct height (not too low as she might rest her wrists on the desk - I assume she's in an office). Pregnant females are also at a higher risk of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome so sitting with her wrists on the desk may cause discomfort. I'd advoid wrist rests as they can sometimes create more problems than they are worth! A display screen assessment should have been completed if she spends a good part of the day at the screen.

Hope this helps...
Alison