Coordination motor abilities and somatic growth of children and adolescents with hearing impairments

Abstract

It is known that the development and maintenance of posture control are a prerequisite for qualified movement (motor adaptation, differentiation of movements, orientation). They are therefore necessary for the development of motor skills. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of selected factors differentiating human development on the level of coordination abilities of children and adolescents with hearing impairments. It was hypothesize that proportions, composition and body mass influence on the coordination motor abilities of children and adolescents with hearing impairment. A semi-longitudinal method was used and the study was conducted in three groups of participants aged 10, 13 and 16 years three times in consecutive three years (at one-year intervals). The examinations were repeated each time for the same participants. Consequently, the study examined 56 participants aged between 10 and 18 years. Data from the study were obtained through direct observation, questionnaires, analysis of medical and pedagogical records as well as measurements of somatic growth ingredients and coordination of motor abilities. Analysis of somatic parameters revealed a progressive trend typical for this period of ontogeny in girls and boys. The body height and mass of the body, especially the increments of these parameters, will undoubtedly affect the motor coordination (changes in body proportions), while the fat mass, lean mass and overweight will strongly affect physical fitness. We observed statistical significance between parameters of somatic and plate tapping (F2,153= 14.87; p<0.001), flamingo balance (F2,153= 9.23; p<0.001)  and march to the goal (F2,153= 8.49; p<0.001), standing broad jump (F2,153= 8.10; p<0.001), and catch of the Dietrich’s stick (F2,153= 17.28; p<0.001) for increments in the next years of observation specially. Statistically significant correlations between somatic parameters and motor coordination observed in our study participants confirm the importance of motor development for somatic potential and vice versa.