Health status of hearing impaired children of primary school age

Abstract

Research on the health status of children with hearing impairments of primary school age is an urgent scientific and practical task, which is of great importance for the development of the system of special and inclusive education, adaptive physical education and the formation of effective health and correctional programs aimed at the comprehensive development and improvement of the quality of life of children with special educational needs. The purpose of the study: to determine the level of somatic health of children of primary school age with hearing impairment. Materials and methods. The study was conducted on the basis of the Volodymyr special school of the Volyn regional council for deaf children of primary grades (2–4 grades: 17 people, of which: 10 – boys and 7 – girls). All participants in the study were aged from 7 to 9 years. To achieve the goal, we used the following research methods: theoretical analysis and generalization of data from scientific, methodological and special literature, comparison, systematization; pedagogical research methods; express assessment of the level of somatic health; anthropometric methods; methods of determining the functional state; methods of mathematical statistics. Results. A generalized assessment of the indicators shows that in all age groups of boys aged 7–9 years with hearing impairment, a low level of physical health prevails, with individual indicators corresponding to the average or below the average level. The obtained data emphasize the need for targeted implementation of adaptive physical culture measures aimed at improving the functional state of the cardiovascular, respiratory and muscular systems, as well as the general level of physical health of children of this nosological group. In all age groups (7–9 years), the general level of physical health of girls with hearing impairment is characterized as low. At the same time, the indicators of body mass index and functional capabilities of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems mostly correspond to the low or below average level, while the strength index is at the average level, which indicates a relatively better development of muscle strength compared to other components of physical health. The results of the express assessment of physical health of boys and girls aged 7–9 years with hearing impairment indicate the presence of persistent negative trends in the functional state of the main body systems, which generally determines the low level of physical health in the examined children. Analysis of integral and individual indicators allows us to identify both age and gender characteristics of physical development and functional capabilities of this category of children. Conclusions. Thus, the generalization of the results of the express assessment of physical health of boys and girls aged 7–9 years with hearing impairment indicates the complex nature of the problem, which is manifested in a decrease in morphofunctional indicators, insufficient development of the respiratory and muscular systems, as well as limited adaptive capabilities of the body. The identified features confirm the need for targeted implementation of correctional and health-improving programs with an emphasis on the development of respiratory, strength and general functional capabilities, as well as individualization of physical activity taking into account age, gender and degree of hearing impairment.