How Does Core Strength Training Affect Balance and Some Physical Performance Parameters in Hearing Impaired Individuals ?

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of core strength training (CST) on the balance and physical performance parameters in deaf individuals. Thirty deaf students participated. The subjects were randomly separated into two groups as experimental (EG: 15; 4 female 11 male; age: 19.60±1.96) and control group (CG: 15; 4 female 11 male; age: 19.73±1.03). A four-week CST program was implemented in the EG. The CG subjects only participated in their daily life. Height, body weight, balance, flexibility, right-left hand grip strength, vertical jump, standing long jump, push-up and curl-up tests were applied to all subjects baseline and after four-week program. 2x2 mixed factor ANOVA test was performed. Flexibility, right-left hand grip strength, standing long jump, vertical jump, push-up and curl-up variables significantly improved after a 4-week period in the EG (p 0.05). Only the left hand grip strength and curl-up variables were significantly changed (p 0.05) in CG. The mean differences showed significant alterations in flexibility, right hand, vertical jump and push-up parameters in favor of EG (p 0.05). In addition, balance ability improved by 12.73% in EG while it decreased by 9.37% in CG. In conclusion, CST was effective in improving body balance and physical performance parameters in hearing-impaired individuals. This result is thought to occur with the increase in strength of the muscles in the core area. It is recommended to include CST in exercise programs for the hearing impaired.