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The History of the Exercise Ball
In spite of its
original name, the "Swiss Ball" was invented in Italy in 1963 as a toy
called the Gymnastik
by an engineer Aquilino Cosani.
Using the Bobath method of stroke/neuro-developmental
rehabilitation, Dr. Elseth Kong and Mary Quinton, an English physical
therapist developed pediatric neurological rehab programs
using
the Swiss Ball. Dr. Susan Klein-Vogelbach (a Swiss Physical
Therapist) incorporated its use into orthopaedic and other medical
areas,
postural re-education and back rehabilitation.
In the 1980's American physical therapists visiting European clinics
learned of its use and
brought this knowledge back to North America; hence, the name "Swiss
Ball". During
the early 1990s, the exercise ball moved from the rehabilitation
setting
into the athletic arena and now is prominent in the fitness world.
The fitness industry being as it is, is always on the look
out
for new and innovative ways to keep its clientelle interested and began
stocking its gyms with balls, started a new "trend" in core
strengthening.
These days balls are used
by physical therapists, athletic trainers, coaches and other
health professionals for, exercising, sitting,
stretching, specific sports training, and much more.
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