Posted By Bennie Hi Glen - why not ask the suppliers about any feedback they have had on the chair. probably you would only hear about the good comments, but you never know. Discuss with them the problem that your worker is having and ask if it the best product they have available to assist with the problem If you do supply the chair, you will need to make sure the recipient gets good information, instruction and training on the use of said chair. Then be prepared to purchase one for everyone else in the office who will decide that they need one too.

Posted By Arran Linton - Smith When assessing this device, my question for the supplier would simply be.........is there any independent clinical research on this product and what is the outcome? This question was firmly drummed into me twenty five years ago when I did my nurse training.

Posted By Kathi Goulding I have recently ordered a Spinalis Basic ball chair for someone who has lower back muscle problems. She has been advised to use a ball when possible but was finding it difficult to maintain position while working. Also the ball took up too much room. She is very happy with the Spinalis chair and is already enthusing about the benefits and the chair. She can already feel an improvement in her muscles and posture. However, this type of chair would not suit everyone and obviously a comprehensive DSE assessment needs to be done before any chair is ordered.

Posted By AlisonM As an ergonomist, I often get asked as to whether this type of "chair" is suitable for a computer workstation. In my opinion, they should not be used as the main chair as in most instances, the height of the ball is substantially lower than that of a standard chair which normally means the user is required to raise their shoulders / arms in order to type. This could lead to neck and shoulder discomfort [which defeats the purpose which is to relieve any pain associated with sitting!]. I have however used one myself in the office as a "break" chair when I'm perhaps reading a document / book and I also have one at home for watching the television as they can help exercise the core back muscles. Contrary to popular belief though, it IS possible to slouch on one of these balls! I'd be inclined to trial different chairs first before opting for one of those. I remember when Balans chair [the one you kneel into] were all the rage till people started discovering that if you sat for extended periods then tried to stand up, your knees tended to ache and they were terrible for anyone that had been for knee surgery.

Posted By Dave Daniel Hi Glen: Actually my consultancy helps Gaiam so I know about these. Several of the staff at Gaiam use these balls all day long to sit on - most strange! you can get a castor base but they prefer to sit on the ball alone. I've also talked to a pregnant woman at another client who found such a ball gave her a comfortable seating posture. I'm not sure about your assessment software or how authorative its results are. For my money I'd look up Dr A C Mandal on the internet and read his comments on seating. You'll find it most revealing. It's only been around for 20 years.... There is a lot of evidence that upright postures are beneficial and Bambach seats, Balans seats, and also oddly sitting on a large space hopper, all provide such seating opportunities. I'd not generally recommend issuing space hoppers to all your staff though although this could be entertaining!!!!!!