[Pezzi-balls and ergonomic furniture in the classroom. Results of a prospective longitudinal study]

Faulty posture during childhood is an important causal factor for the development of degenerative conditions of the spinal column, which present in adults in the form of back pain, with or without functional disturbances. The reported prevalence of back pain varies widely, although figures of up to 50% have been recorded. The following controlled longitudinal study compared school children in classrooms fitted with ergonomic school furniture to those in a conventional setting. In one classroom, traditional seating was replaced by large air-filled balls (Pezziballs). Before beginning the study and again after one year, every child (n = 46) completed a comprehensive questionnaire and underwent an orthopedic/rheumatologic assessment. At the beginning of the study, 15% of the children reported having already experienced one or more episodes of back pain. Between 15 and 37% of the children demonstrated measurable functional or morphologic changes in different tests. The study showed that the air-filled balls provided a well-received alternative to conventional seating. On the other hand, a greater effect could be achieved by educating teaching staff in the importance of prophylaxis for the prevention of back pain due to poor posture, e.g. in the form of theoretical and practical back-care instruction for teachers. The potential of this group of professionals to act as examples in this respect should be used and supported by school doctors.