The Level of Neuromuscular Coordination between Hearing Impairment Compared with the Healthy in Jordan

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the level of neuromuscular coordination among the hearing impaired in Jordan and to identify differences in levels of neuromuscular coordination of the hearing impaired according to the variables of health status and gender. The descriptive method was used for its suitability to the nature of the study and its objectives. The sample population consisted of 159 individuals from different schools who were asked to participate voluntarily (72 with hearing impairments and 87 healthy). To measure neuromuscular coordination, the researchers used a test that measured hand-eye coordination (the steadiness tester) made by Lafayette Instrument, model 32011. They analyzed the results of the study using standard deviation and t-tests. The results of the study showed statistically significant differences between the level of neuromuscular coordination of males and female and this was shown by the presence of statistical significance which was (p = 0.000) in the smallest hole (0.0625 inch). The results also showed that individuals with hearing impairments have superior neuromuscular coordination to healthy individuals. The study’s main findings are that neuromuscular coordination of the hearing impaired is superior to that of healthy people; and that the neuromuscular coordination of females is superior to that of males. The researchers recommended employing the skills of the hearing impaired in sports requiring neuromuscular coordination (e.g. archery, darts, and billiards) because of the superior coordination of these individuals. They also recommended that gender differences be taken into account when designing training programs that depend on coordination and focus on motor skills.