Effect Of Task-Oriented Approach Based Activities To Improve Balance Among Children With Cochlear Implant

Background: Paediatric occupational therapy is vital for fostering children’s motor, sensory, and coordination skills, particularly for those with cochlear implants who often experience vestibular system disruptions leading to balance impairments. This study evaluates the effectiveness of task-oriented occupational therapy in improving balance among children with cochlear implants compared to conventional therapy. Methodology: A quasi-experimental design was conducted with 30 participants aged 4–8 years, recruited using convenience sampling and divided into two groups: experimental (task-oriented therapy) and control (conventional therapy). Both interventions were delivered over 12 weeks with 30 sessions. Balance was assessed pre- and post-intervention using the Paediatric Balance Scale (PBS). Statistical analysis was performed to compare pre- and post-test scores within and between groups. Results: The experimental group (N=15) had a mean pre-test PBS score of 33.2 (SD=2.88) and post-test score of 38.87 (SD=3.66), showing a statistically significant improvement (Z=-3.429, p=0.001). The control group (N=15) had a mean pre-test score of 34.67 (SD=3.79) and post-test score of 36.07 (SD=3.37), also showing significant improvement (Z=-2.829, p=0.005). Post-test scores between the groups revealed a significantly greater improvement in the experimental group compared to the control group (Z=-2.032, p=0.042). Conclusion: Task-oriented occupational therapy significantly enhances balance in children with cochlear implants, yielding better outcomes than conventional therapy. These findings highlight the importance of tailored interventions in addressing vestibular deficits and improving functional independence in this population.