Comparison of dynamic balance between deaf and normal children using the functional reach test: An observational study

Abstract

Background: Deafness refers to complete loss of hearing ability. Children with hearing impairment have deficits in motor development majorly in balance. Vestibular system maturation is achieved by age of 10-14 years which is related to motor development. As dynamic balance is more affected than static balance in deaf children, Functional Reach Test (FRT) is used to measure dynamic balance. Hence there was a need to compare dynamic balance in deaf and normal children in the age group 7-18.Objectives: To compare dynamic balance in normal and deaf children using FRT and to find the common strategy used by these children for dynamic balance.Materials and Methods: An observational study with 191 deaf and normal children in age group of 7-18 years with no physical impairments were recruited in the study using convenience sampling as per the inclusion criteria. The outcome measure used for the study was FRT. It is the maximum distance one can reach beyond arm's distance while maintaining a fixed base of support in standing position. The test was administered in both the groups and their results were compared and the most common strategy used to perform the test was noted.Results: There was significant difference in dynamic balance between both the groups (P = 0.006). Normal children used hip strategy more frequently as compared to deaf children while ankle strategy was used twice as much in deaf children compared to normal children.Conclusion: The present study concluded that dynamic balance is reduced in deaf children in the age group 7 to 18 years.