his randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of retro walking with and without BOSU ball training on balance and mobility in hearing-impaired children aged 8-12 years. A total of 24 participants will be divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group will receive retro walking along with BOSU ball training, while the control group will perform retro walking only for 8 weeks. Balance and mobility will be assessed using the Pediatric Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go Test, and One-Leg Stance Test. Data will be collected from specialized schools in Lahore and analyzed using SPSS 27. Ethical approval will be obtained prior to study commencement.
Age 8 to 12 years.
Children with hearing loss in right and left ear (bilateral).
Children with hearing-impaired intensity over 61 dB.
Both genders will be included.
Presence of neurologic disease.
Hyperactivity and vision problems.
Have any musculoskeletal disorders.
Children with cochlear implant.
Parallel
Retro walking
Other interventionThe intervention consists of structured retro walking exercises designed to improve balance, coordination, and mobility. It includes variations such as knee and heel pulling, slalom movements, cross steps, skipping, and fast backward running with different body and foot positions. These activities are performed under supervision to enhance postural control, dynamic stability, and functional walking performance
Bosu Ball
DeviceThe BOSU ball intervention includes a series of balance and strength exercises performed in both stable (flat side up) and unstable (bouncy side up) positions. Activities involve weight shifting, circular foot movements, squats, single-leg stance, leg abduction, lunges, push-ups, and abdominal crunches to challenge stability. These movements are designed to improve balance, core strength, coordination, and functional mobility under controlled conditions.all these interventions for 8 weeks
Pediatrics Balance Scale
The Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) is a valid and reliable test used to assess functional balance in children. It includes 14 simple activity-based tasks scored out of 56, where higher scores indicate better balance. The test is quick to administer and commonly used in children with balance impairments, including hearing loss.
Time Up and Go Test
The Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) is a reliable and valid tool used to assess functional mobility and dynamic balance in children aged 3-18 years. It has strong test-retest, intra-rater, and inter-rater reliability and correlates well with other measures of balance, strength, and functional ability.
Single leg stance test
It is used to assess static balance by measuring how long a child can stand on one leg. The child maintains a specific posture while timing starts when one foot is lifted and stops when balance is lost or the foot touches the ground. Proper posture is required throughout, and the test is repeated if incorrect positioning occurs.
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