Investigation of the effect of dual task focused stroboscopic visual education on balance and gait in hearing-improved children

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of dual-task focused stroboscopic visual training on balance and walking in addition to conventional balance exercises in hearing impaired children. Children between the ages of 7 and 12 who were diagnosed with congenital, bilateral, sensorineural hearing impairment (n=31) and children with typical development who do not have any impairment including hearing and in the same age range (n=14) were included in the study. Hearing impaired children were divided into three groups as control, conventional balance exercise group, and innovative balance exercise group and children with typical development formed the fourth group. Conventional balance exercise group and innovative balance exercise group were included in a total of 24 sessions of exercise program for 16 weeks (week 2 / 40 min). Balance was evaluated in two ways. Static balance was determined by Tandem Romberg, single-foot balance and Flamingo Balance Test; dynamic balance was evaluated with the Functional Reach Test, the balance disk standing test, and the Four Step Square Test. In addition, Pediatric Berg Balance Scale was scored as items. Functional mobility with Timed Up and Go Test and step test; evaluation of walking skills with 10 m Walk Test and Functional Gait Evaluation; fall history with the Fall History Questionnaire; assessment of fear of falling with Tinetti's Impact of Falling Scale; quality of life with the Kid-KINDL Quality of Life Questionnaire; upper extremity functions were evaluated with the 9-hole PEG test. Balance, gait and functional mobility tests were performed with the GyKo device. Total length (DL), sway surface area (EA), medial-lateral mean distance (MLMD), anterior-posterior mean distance (APMD) values were compared as postural sway parameters. In addition, the tests were performed with and without hearing aids. After treatment when the group consisting of children with typical development was compared with the hearing impaired groups, the values closest to the children with typical development in most tests were obtained in the innovative balance exercise group. When the three groups of hearing-impaired children were compared; before the treatment, only the DL, EA, APMD values of the tandem romberg test with the eyes closed; after treatment the total score of the pediatric berg scale, The DL value of the single standing test with eyes open and the completion time of the timed up-go test were different between the groups (p<0.05). Other evaluated parameters were similar (p>0.05). Before treatment when all children with hearing impairment compared with and without hearing aids; EA, APMD of the tandem romberg test; APMD of single leg balance test; The DL, EA and APMD values of the 10 m walk test were found to be lower when hearing aids were worn (p<0.05). Hearing impaired children may have balance and walking problems, and these problems increase even more without hearing aids. Balance and walking exercises with conventional or stroscopic glasses for the hearing impaired can reduce these problems of children and can be recommended. Keywords: Hearing Impaired Children, Exercise, Balance, Walking, Postural Sway.