Thesis (Ph.D.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Growth and Development Disorders

Background: Children with hearing impairment had balance and motordeficits due to concomitant damage to the vestibular structures. Balance disorder, motor development problems, and weak postural control are likely to occur in children with hearing deficits.Objectives:The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of physical therapy program on vestibular function in children with hearing impairment.Methods: thirty fife children aged 10 to 14 years for both sexes with severe to profound hearing deficits were allocated by simple randomization via sealed envelopes into control and study groups. The control group participated activities of daily living while; the study group received a 24- session three sessions per week for eight weeks of physical therapy program in addition to the activities of daily living given to the control group. Assessments were performed pre and post intervention by Humac Balance system, Balance Error Scoring Systems scale (BESS) and Bruininks-Oseretsky Test (BOT-2) sub test (5) for balance.Results: There was significant increase in theMobility- Standing Balance{u2013} Bilateral (MSBB),Limits of Stability- Standing Balance{u2013} Bilateral (LOSSBB)(p = 0.0001),Stability Standing Balance Bilateral (SSBB)(p = 0.008),The modified clinical test of sensory integration of balance (MCTSIB)(p = 0.003) andthe scale score of balance subtest ( BOT-2)(p = 0.003) of the study group when compared with that of the control group post treatment. Conclusion: Vestibular rehabilitation exercises improve balance, postural control and motor performance of children with hearing impairment

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