Static and Dynamic Balance Performance and Associated Factors in Normal and Hearing-Impaired Schoolchildren in Addis Ababa Public Schools
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Date
2024-10
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Background: Maintaining balance is crucial for everyday activities, motor development, sports, and overall well-being. It manifests in static and dynamic forms. The vestibular system plays a vital role in the maintenance of this balance. Hearing loss, infection and other problem-induced vestibular system impairments among children cause great burdens. However, balance assessment is not routinely conducted in children with and without hearing impairments.
Objective: This study assessed static and dynamic balance performance and its associated factors among schoolchildren with and without hearing impairments in Addis Ababa public schools.
Materials and Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study design was used to evaluate the static and dynamic balance performance of 148 (74 hearing-impaired and 74 normal hearing) children aged 7 to 18 years. The study was conducted from September 1, 2023, to May 30, 2024. Single leg stance (eyes open/closed), functional reach, and pediatric balance scale tests were used to assess balance performance. The data were entered and analyzed using SPSS (version 27) software. Independent t-tests, Pearson’s correlation, and regression analysis were used, and a p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: Compared with those of normal hearing peers, the single-leg stance eyes open (30.6±15.8 vs.47.6±12.2 sec, p<0.001), eyes closed (4.2±4.1 vs.15.4±7.9 sec, p<0.001), functional reach test (22.2±4.3 vs. 26.3±6.6 cm, p<0.001), and pediatric balance scale (54.4±1.2 vs. 55.8±0.5, p<0.001) scores of hearing impaired children were significantly lower. The single-leg stance eyes open (29.2±15.8 vs.45.5±12.6 sec, p<0.001), eyes closed (5.4±5.24 vs.14.2±7.5 sec, p<0.001), functional reach test (21.8±4.1 vs.25.7±6.3 cm, p<0.002), and pediatric balance scale (54.5±1.2 vs.55.8±0.5, P<0.001) scores of males with hearing impairments were significantly lower than the same sex with normal hearing. The single-leg stance eyes open (32.0±15.9 vs. 49.7±11.5 sec, P<0.001), eyes closed (3.2±2.0 vs. 16.6±8.4 sec, P<0.001), pediatric balance scale (54.3±1.1 vs. 55.9±0.5, P<0.001), and functional reach test (22.6±4.5 vs. 26.9±6.9 cm, P <0.003) scores of females with hearing impairments were also significantly lower than the same sex of normal hearing.
Conclusion: Compared with normal-hearing peers of the same sex, children with hearing impairments showed lower static and dynamic balance performance. Routine balance screening and balance training programs for children with hearing impairments are needed.
Keywords: Static, Dynamic, Balance performance, Hearing-impaired, Children
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Keywords
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