Physical efficiency of 10-16-year-old boys with hearing impairment.

PURPOSE The aim of our investigation was to estimate on hand of the above the physical efficiency value of hearing impaired children and compare them with healthy counterparts. MATERIAL AND METHODS The investigation covered a group of 63 boys, 27 with hearing impairment (HI) and 36 healthy (R), 10-16 years old. The investigated subjects were divided into 2 groups according to their age: 10-12 and 14-16-year-old boys. For determination of cardio-respiratory system efficiency PWC170 (Physical Working Capacity) test was performed. PWC170 and VO2max indices were calculated using proper mathematical equations. RESULTS The comparison of PWC170 and VO2max indices shows no statistically significant differences between investigated groups. Boys from younger HI group obtained higher PWC170 and VO2max values than boys from R group. In older groups, values of investigated indices were inversed in relation to younger groups. Boys from R group obtained higher values of investigated indices. CONCLUSIONS Results received shows some trend, which is probably connected with isolation and absence of cohesion between auditory organ rehabilitation and physical efficiency development. There is necessity of integration programs construction, which will influence on comprehensive and proper growth of hearing impaired children.