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. 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.