DANCE AS A STRATEGY TO IMPROVE BALANCE IN YOUNG PEOPLE WITH DEAFNESS

Abstract

Human hearing plays a fundamental role in quality of life, especially in motor development, spatial and temporal perception. Studies indicate that deafness can compromise these functions, increasing the risks of bodily instability and directly impacting mobility and independence. Objective: This study sought to analyze the effects of dance interventions on the balance of deaf children. Methods: We included 18 children of both sexes, aged between 6 and 14 years, attended by the Deaf Person Service (SAPS) of the University of Vale do Itajaí. Participants were divided into two groups: intervention (10 children) and control (8 children). The intervention group participated in eight sessions of adapted Hip Hop classes, while the control group performed manipulation activities and manual games. Balance was assessed using the Berg test, which consists of 14 specific tasks that analyze body stability in different situations. Results: A significant improvement in the balance of the children in the intervention group was observed, evidenced by the increase in the scores of the Berg Test after dance classes. On the other hand, the control group did not present relevant changes in the same parameters. Conclusion: Dance, especially adapted Hip Hop, proved to be an effective strategy to improve balance in deaf children, offering a promising approach for motor development and social inclusion of this population. These findings reinforce the importance of body practices in promoting health and quality of life in children with hearing impairment.