Comparison of Vestibular and Proprioceptive Training on Gait Parameters in Deaf Male Students

Paper ID : 1301-SPORTCONGRESS

Authors

masume FARYAB ASL, Yousef Mogaddas Tabrizi *, Mohammad Karimizade Ardakani University of Tehran

Abstract

Introduction: Given the significant prevalence of deafness and its close association with motor disorders that affect the quality of life and daily functioning of deaf students, providing effective interventions to improve gait parameters is crucial. Therefore this study aimed to compare the effects of vestibular and proprioceptive training on the gait parameters of deaf male students. Methods: This interventional study was conducted on 24 students with hearing loss, aged 8 to 15 years. Participants were selected via convenience sampling and then randomly assigned into three 8-person groups: proprioceptive training, vestibular training, and a control group. The exercise program was implemented for eight weeks, three sessions per week. gait parameters including stride length, step width, gait speed, and cadence, were collected in pre-test and post-test phases for all three groups using videography and data analysis with Kinovea software. Data were then analyzed using descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, and paired t-tests in SPSS version 27. Results: While both training groups showed a significant within-group increase in step length, cadence, and gait speed from pre-test to post-test (p < 0.05), the between-group analysis revealed a significant difference only in gait speed. In this variable, both training groups performed better than the control group (p < 0.05). No statistically significant difference was found between the two training groups in any of the gait variables (p < 0.05). Conclusion: In summary, both proprioceptive and vestibular exercises were effective in improving gait speed. However, proprioceptive training played a more prominent role in enhancing postural control. Based on these results, it is suggested that rehabilitation and exercise programs for students with hearing loss incorporate a combination of these two training types to improve motor function. l

Keywords

Vestibular Exercises, Proprioceptive Exercises, Gait, Deaf, Postural Control

Status: Abstract Accepted (Poster Presentation)