Abstract
Background and Purpose: Strength training is associated with a plethora of physical and psychological benefits for many populations of individuals. The use of the physiotherapy ball in conjunction with strength training has become popularized in rehabilitation, fitness and wellness facilities. It was the purpose of this research to further explore and delineate the strength, balance and cardiovascular effects of strength training on the physiotherapy ball (unstable surface) compared to traditional strength training on a weight bench (stable surface). Method: This research used a pre-test post-test experimental design with 5 participants who were randomly assigned to one of two groups representing the two types of strength training (on the physiotherapy ball and on the weight bench). Group A, the weight bench group consisted of two participants while Group B, the physiotherapy ball group consisted of three participants. Both groups participated in two hours worth of exercise education and an 8 week, moderately intense progressive upper body strength training program, 3 days a week, for 30-40 minutes. The physical therapist who monitored the pre and post-testing was blinded to group assignment. Testing included: 1 RM Flat Olympic Bench Press Test for strength, two versions of the One-legged Stance Test for Balance with eyes closed and a 10 RM for each exercise performed for the intervention. Resting and exercise heart rates were monitored by the researcher as was training volume and change in weight lifted during the exercise intervention. Training volume and weight lifted during the intervention were included as assessments of strength in addition to the 1 RM Flat Olympic Bench Press Test. Participants' age and number of exercise sessions attended were also recorded. Results: There were no significant differences between groups for any methods of strength or balance assessment. There were clinically significant differences between groups for the One-legged Stance Test for Balance with eyes closed performed with the weight bearing leg straight which has been shown to be a valid and reliable method of balance assessment. There were statistically significant differences between groups for mean and maximum heart rate response. Conclusion: In this research, the group who exercised on the physiotherapy ball experienced similar increases in upper body strength, greater improvements in balance, a lower mean heart rate and increased maximum heart rate response compared to those who exercised on the weight bench. More research, with larger samples, must be done to determine the generalizability of these findings and to further investigate the training effect of exercising on the physiotherapy ball compared to on a weight bench.