EFFECTS OF PILATES TRAINING VERSUS BALANCE PROPRIOCEPTION EXERCISES ON LOWER EXTREMITY FUNCTION IN CHILDREN WITH HEARING IMPAIRMENT

Background: Hearing impairment, defined as partial or complete loss of hearing ability, affects not only auditory function but also balance and motor coordination, particularly in children. The disruption of vestibular input linked with hearing loss can compromise postural control and lower extremity function. Rehabilitation strategies such as Pilates and balance proprioception exercises have gained attention for their role in enhancing neuromuscular control and improving functional outcomes in pediatric populations with sensory deficits. Objective: To examine and compare the effects of Pilates training and balance proprioception exercises on lower extremity function in children with hearing impairment. Methods: This randomized clinical trial included 30 children aged 6 to 12 years diagnosed with hearing impairment. Participants were randomly assigned into two equal groups (n=15 each). Group 1 underwent Pilates training, while Group 2 received balance proprioception exercises. Both interventions were delivered over a six-week period, with three sessions per week. Outcome measures included the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) and the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), recorded pre- and post-intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, applying paired and independent sample t-tests. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: Group 1 (Pilates) showed significant improvement in PBS from 28.466 ± 7.347 to 39.933 ± 10.257 (p = 0.000), and LEFS from 37.533 ± 2.445 to 47.733 ± 5.063 (p = 0.000). Group 2 (Balance Proprioception) also improved in PBS from 26.933 ± 5.344 to 29.800 ± 4.813 (p = 0.001), and LEFS from 38.200 ± 2.210 to 47.333 ± 4.546 (p = 0.001). Between-group comparison showed Pilates was significantly more effective (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Both interventions improved lower extremity function and balance in children with hearing impairment; however, Pilates training demonstrated superior outcomes, supporting its use as an effective rehabilitation approach in pediatric care.