The effect of 8 weeks proprioception training without visual input on single-limb standing balance time in deaf students: A randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of 8 weeks proprioception training without visual input on the proprioception of the knee and ankle and single standing balance time in deaf students.

METHODS

Twenty male deaf students participated in this study and were randomly assigned into control (n = 10) and experimental (n = 10) groups. Subjects' proprioception was measured using an electrogoniometer. In addition, balance performance was evaluated through single-limb standing performance test under four sensory conditions (condition 1: eyes open on one leg; condition 2: eyes closed on one leg; condition 3: eyes open on foam; condition 4: eyes closed on foam).

RESULTS

The findings showed that proprioception training without visual input induced meaningful, significant effects in knee and ankle proprioception (p ≤ 0.001), and single-limb standing time of deaf students at condition 1 (p ≤ 0.03) and 2 (p ≤ 0.001). However, training programs did not have any significant effects on single-limb standing time in conditions 3 (p ≤ 0.41) and 4(p ≤ 0.22).

CONCLUSIONS

Proprioception training without visual input improves proprioception of ankle, knee and single-limb standing balance time in deaf students.