A preliminary randomized controlled study on the effectiveness of vestibular-specific neuromuscular training in children with hearing impairment.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effectiveness of vestibular-specific neuromuscular training on motor skills, balance and health-related quality of life in children with hearing impairment.


METHODS
Controlled, randomized, preliminary study.


METHODS
Rehabilitation school for children with hearing impairment.


METHODS
Twenty-three children with mean age of 7.5-8.1 years with hearing impairment were randomized to either the intervention or the control group. Children in the experimental group (n = 11) participated in vestibular-specific neuromuscular training for six weeks and the children in the control group continued their regular activities followed at school.


METHODS
Measurement of motor skills (Test of Gross Motor Development-2), postural control (Pediatric Reach Test, One Leg Standing Balance Test and postural sway meter) and health-related quality of life (PedsQL Generic Core Scale).


RESULTS
Following intervention, the scores of motor skills (Test of Gross Motor Development P = 0.02; throw for distance P = 0.042; kick for distance P = 0.08; jump for distance P = 0.001; 15-yard dash P = 0.001), postural control measures (Pediatric Reach Test P = 0.001; One Leg Standing Test P = 0.03; and anteroposterior sway (eyes open P = 0.007, eyes closed P = 0.03); mediolateral sway (eyes open P = 0.014, eyes closed P = 0.017) and health-related quality of life (P = 0.01) improved significantly in the experimental group and not in the control group.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings of the study suggest that vestibular-specific neuromuscular training programme may improve the motor skills, balance and health-related quality of life in children with hearing impairment.
Institute of Rehabilitation Science, Holy Cross College affiliated to Bharathidasan University, Trichy, Tamilnadu, India. venkadphysio@gmail.com
Venkadesan
V
Rajendran
Finita Glory
FG
Roy
Deepa
D
Jeevanantham
D002648:Child; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D034381:Hearing Loss / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology*; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D011788:Quality of Life; D018434:Sickness Impact Profile; D014722:Vestibule, Labyrinth / Q000503:physiopathology*