Wobble balls or balance balls have been proven to be beneficial for both your mind and your body. Wobble Balls have made their way in the mainstream workouts as well as by professionals from physical therapist, schools to sport trainers.
A balance ball forces you to use muscles and strength to maintain your balance on the board. The Physical benefits are because builds the core strength as well as posture and strengthens the knee and ankle muscles.
This works because the ball forces the left and right parts of h brain to communicate to maintain balance. It has been specifically recommended for children with Attention Deficit disorder with or without hyperactivity and processing disorders. The ball increases self-awareness and calm
In 2003 a study was published in the American Journal of Occupational Therapist that sitting on a stability ball helps children with ADHD sit still, focus and write words more clearly.
In 2007 the Mayo Clinic also did a study focused on improving learning and on reducing obesity by making children more active. They found that the ability to move around more while sitting made the students more attentive. They concluded that this was because children are able to burn off excess energy by bouncing on the ball.
In children with ADHD being in motion allows their brains to become engaged. This works because the stability ball the body instinctively and continually engages the core muscles because constant movement is required to stay on the ball. That small movement to stay balanced helps kids with ADHD stay focused.
Teachers are beginning to use stability balls in some schools, and if you have a child with ADHD a balance ball would be good for home use. If you know someone who does have a child with this problem please pass this information on parents. It could be a great tool for the child as well as the parents.