A preliminary randomized controlled study on the effectiveness of vestibular-specific neuromuscular training in children with hearing impairment

Abstract

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.

Design:

Controlled, randomized, preliminary study.

Setting:

Rehabilitation school for children with hearing impairment.

Subjects and intervention:

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.

Outcome measures:

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.

Conclusion:

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.

Keywords

Children deafness vestibular rehabilitation

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