Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
MSc, Department of Sports Injuries and Corrective Exercises, Faculty of Sport Sciences and Health, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
2
Department of biomechanic & Sport Injuries , Faculty of Sports and Health Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
3
MSc Student, Department of Sports Injuries and Corrective Exercises, Faculty of Sport Sciences and Health, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
APSS/apss.2026.2106519.1032
Abstract
Children with hearing impairment may experience limitations in postural control and walking performance due to vestibular dysfunction and altered sensory integration.
This study compared proprioceptive and vestibular exercise approaches in deaf male students.
Participants were allocated to proprioceptive training, vestibular training, and control groups. The proprioceptive group performed forward and tandem walking, stair stepping, single-leg standing, standing on a ball, reaction tasks in single-leg stance, eyes-closed single-leg stance, balance-board exercises, and cross-over walking. The vestibular group performed static balance tasks, weight shifting, sit-to-stand exercises, turning tasks, head movements, walking with head turns, tandem walking, stepping activities, and seated balance exercises. The control group continued usual daily activities without a specific exercise intervention. Static and dynamic postural control, step length, step width, walking speed, and cadence were assessed before and after the intervention.
Both exercise approaches improved postural control and several aspects of walking performance. Proprioceptive training produced greater improvement in static postural stability, whereas both exercise approaches were beneficial for walking speed.
Proprioceptive and vestibular exercises may be considered practical approaches for promoting postural control and functional mobility in deaf children.
Keywords
Subjects
