The Effect of Combined Core Stability and Neuromuscular Training on Postural Control in Students with Congenital Hearing Loss

According to previous studies, weakness in maintaining balance is one of the main problems in people with congenital hearing loss; and balance is also an important factor affecting the quality of life. Strengthening and improving equilibrium functions must be emphasized to reduce the problems of this group of people and bring their quality of life closer to normal. This study purposed to assess the effect of a combination of core stability and neuromuscular training on postural control in students with congenital hearing loss.
This semi-experimental study with pre/posttest design was performed on 24 students with congenital hearing loss who were randomly assigned to two equal groups of experiment and control. The control group continued their daily routines, while the experimental group performed a combination training of core stability and neuromuscular ones for six weeks in three sessions of 60 minutes per week. Subject's ability to maintain a standing position was measured in different sensory states. The changes in maintaining the standing statuses in different sensory states were measured before and 6 weeks after of exercise. Paired t test was used to analyze the data via SPSS software at the significant level of P After the exercise intervention, experimental group experienced a significant decrease in the number of first mode errors without any sensory interference (P = 0.009), second state error, and visual system predominance (P = 0.002), number of errors in the third state, and predominance of the body sensory system (P = 0.001), and number of faults in the fourth state, and the prevalence of the vestibular system (P = 0.001). However, no significant reduction was observed in any of the balance occasions in the control group.
Combination form of core stability and neuromuscular exercises seems to improve postural balance in hearing impaired and can be used in conjunction with other training programs. However, this research has its own limits and further research is needed.