Effect of structured yoga program on functional balance, flexibility, and emotional status in students with bilateral sensorineural hearing impairment

Abstract

Background: Children with bilateral sensorineural hearing impairment (SNHI) face various physiological, psychological, and sociological complications that require attention. The objective of the current study was to analyze the effect of a 1-month structured yoga program on functional balance, flexibility, and emotional status of the students with bilateral SNHI. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted as a controlled pre–post experimental method. Forty (n = 40) bilateral sensorineural hearing-impaired students (moderate–profound range) of ages 8–16 years were randomly divided into two equal groups, i.e., experimental and control. A one-hour structured yoga module was provided to the experimental group as an intervention for 30 days, while the control group followed a routine lifestyle. Outcome Measures: Static balance (SB) was assessed by single-leg stance test, dynamic balance (DB) by functional reach test, flexibility by sit and reach test, emotional status by Positive Affect and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS), and Self-Esteem recorded by Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Results: The results revealed a significant improvement (P < 0.001) in physical parameters such as SB on the right leg, SB on the left leg, DB, and lumbar flexibility in the experimental group. Additionally, psychosocial parameters such as positive emotions, negative emotions, and self-esteem showed significant improvement in the experimental group. However, no significant change in any of the study parameters was observed in the control group (P > 0.05). Conclusion: These findings provide substantial evidence that a 1-month structured yoga program was an efficient method to improve the functional balance, flexibility, and emotional status in the students with bilateral SNHI.