Comparison of Performance-Related Parameters of Hearing-Impaired and Non-Hearing-Impaired Curling National Team Athletes

The evaluation of performance-related parameters in curling is essential for achieving high levels of success. The literature on performance parameters such as balance, flexibility and core strength in hearing-impaired curling athletes is limited. The aim of this study is to compare the bilateral balance, flexibility, and core strength performance of hearing-impaired and non-hearing-impaired national curling team athletes. The research group consisted of 20 hearing-impaired curling athletes (26.8 ± 5.4 years) and 20 non-hearing-impaired curling athletes (27.1 ± 4.8 years). All athletes underwent a curling-specific balance test (CSBT), sit-reach test, and plank test. All tests were conducted under similar conditions and on a single day. The main findings of the study revealed that hearing-impaired athletes performed significantly worse than non-hearing-impaired athletes in terms of balance, plank duration, and flexibility (p<0.05). As a result, it indicates that the dysfunction of the vestibular system in hearing-impaired curling athletes negatively affects their curling performance. It is recommended that training programmes be designed to improve balance, flexibility, and core strength performance.