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.