Hearing Impaired ChildrenNCT07578909
Retro Walking With and Without Bosu Ball for Balance and Mobility in Hearing Impaired Children
A study testing Retro walking and Bosu Ball in people with Hearing Impaired Children, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
his randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of retro walking with and without BOSU ball training on balance and mobility in hearing-impaired children aged 8-12 years. A total of 24 participants will be divided into experimental and control groups. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 8 to 12 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Hearing Impaired Children
- What is being tested?
- Retro walking and Bosu Ball
- Type of treatment
- Medical device
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 24 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 15 Apr 2026to 25 Jul 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 8 to 12 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Child
Who may be able to join
- Age 8 to 12 years.
- Children with hearing loss in right and left ear (bilateral).
- Children with hearing-impaired intensity over 61 dB.
- Both genders will be included.
- Balance cut off value <45 on pediatrics balance scale.
Who cannot join
- Presence of neurologic disease.
- Hyperactivity and vision problems.
- Have any musculoskeletal disorders.
- Children with cochlear implant.
- Children with leg length discrepancy
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Pakistan1 site
Govt. Deaf and Defective Hearing Model High School for girls, Rajgarh
Lahore, Punjab Province, 54000
About this study
Official title: Comparative Effects of Retro Walking With and Without Bosu Ball on Balance and Mobility in Children With Hearing Impairment
his randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of retro walking with and without BOSU ball training on balance and mobility in hearing-impaired children aged 8-12 years. A total of 24 participants will be divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group will receive retro walking along with BOSU ball training, while the control group will perform retro walking only for 8 weeks. Balance and mobility will be assessed using the Pediatric Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go Test, and One-Leg Stance Test. Data will be collected from specialized schools in Lahore and analyzed using SPSS 27. Ethical approval will be obtained prior to study commencement.
Read the detailed description
Children with hearing impairment often experience balance and motor deficits due to concomitant damage to the vestibular structures. Interventions focusing on balance training have shown promise in improving postural control and motor coordination in this population. Retro walking, or backward walking, has been identified as an effective exercise to enhance balance and motor control. Additionally, the BOSU ball, a fitness training device that provides an unstable surface, is commonly used for balance training. However, the combined effect of retro walking and BOSU ball training on balance and mobility in hearing-impaired children remains underexplored. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of retro walking on balance and mobility with and without Bosu ball in hearing impaired children.
The study design will be a randomized control trial. Data will be collected from Govt. Deaf and Defective Hearing Model High School for Girls Rajgarh and Deaf Reach School, Training Center and College, Lahore. The study will be completed in 10 months after the approval of synopsis. Children aged 8 to 12 years will be randomly assigned either into the experimental group(n=12) or control group (n=12). The experimental group will be provided retro walking exercises for 30 minutes 8 weeks and BOSU ball will also be 8 weeks duration. The Control group will provide only retro walking exercises for 8 weeks. Participants fulfilling the eligibility criteria will be asked to assign the consent form before entering into the study. Balance will be measured by pediatric balance scale, mobility will be measured by time up and go test and static balance will be measured by one leg stance test. The synopsis will be presented to Research Ethical Committee of Riphah International University, Lahore for ethical approval to conduct this study. Data will be analyzed through SPSS 27.
- Conditions
- Hearing Impaired Children
- Being tested
- Retro walking, Bosu Ball
- Keywords
- Hearing loss, Balance, Bosu ball, Retro walking
- Medical subject headings
- Hearing Loss
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Retro walkingOther
The intervention consists of structured retro walking exercises designed to improve balance, coordination, and mobility. It includes variations such as knee and heel pulling, slalom movements, cross steps, skipping, and fast backward running with different body and foot positions. These activities are performed under supervision to enhance postural control, dynamic stability, and functional walking performance
Bosu BallDevice
Also called Retro Walking
The BOSU ball intervention includes a series of balance and strength exercises performed in both stable (flat side up) and unstable (bouncy side up) positions. Activities involve weight shifting, circular foot movements, squats, single-leg stance, leg abduction, lunges, push-ups, and abdominal crunches to challenge stability. These movements are designed to improve balance, core strength, coordination, and functional mobility under controlled conditions.all these interventions for 8 weeks
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Retro walking with bosu ball | Experimental | The experimental group will receive a structured balance and mobility training program that includes retro walking performed with the use of a Bosu ball. Participants will practice backward walking or the unstable surface of the Bosu ball. Receives: Device: Bosu Ball |
| Retro walking without bosu ball | Active comparator | The control group will participate in a conventional balance and mobility training program involving retro walking on a stable, flat surface without the use of a BOSU ball. Participants will perform backward walking only under supervision. Receives: Other: Retro walking |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Pediatrics Balance Scale
The Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) is a valid and reliable test used to assess functional balance in children. It includes 14 simple activity-based tasks scored out of 56, where higher scores indicate better balance. The test is quick to administer and commonly used in children with balance impairments, including hearing loss.
Measured: Baseline, 8weeks
Time Up and Go Test
The Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) is a reliable and valid tool used to assess functional mobility and dynamic balance in children aged 3-18 years. It has strong test-retest, intra-rater, and inter-rater reliability and correlates well with other measures of balance, strength, and functional ability.
Measured: Baseline, 8weeks
Single leg stance test
It is used to assess static balance by measuring how long a child can stand on one leg. The child maintains a specific posture while timing starts when one foot is lifted and stops when balance is lost or the foot touches the ground. Proper posture is required throughout, and the test is repeated if incorrect positioning occurs.
Measured: Baseline, 8weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted11 May 2026
- Study start15 Apr 2026
- Primary completion5 Jul 2026
- Study completion25 Jul 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Hearing Impaired ChildrenStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Riphah International UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Investigator
- Enrolment
- 24 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Salma Kanwal, MS-PT, Principal investigator, Riphah International University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07578909
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- REC/RCR&AHS/25/0714
- Status last verified
- Sep 2026
- First submitted
- 5 May 2026
- Last updated
- 30 Sep 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Duarte DSB, Cabral AML, Britto DBLA. Vestibular assessment in children aged zero to twelve years: an integrative review. Braz J Otorhinolaryngol. 2022 Nov-Dec;88 Suppl 3(Suppl 3):S212-S224. doi: 10.1016/j.bjorl.2022.09.006. Epub 2022 Oct 14.
PubMed 36347786
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 30 Sep 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparative Effects of Retro Walking With and Without Bosu Ball on Balance and Mobility in Children With Hearing Impairment
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07578909
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- REC/RCR&AHS/25/0714
- Conditions
- Hearing Impaired Children
- Keywords
- Hearing loss, Balance, Bosu ball, Retro walking
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 24 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 15 Apr 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 5 Jul 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 25 Jul 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 11 May 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
his randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of retro walking with and without BOSU ball training on balance and mobility in hearing-impaired children aged 8-12 years. A total of 24 participants will be divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group will receive retro walking along with BOSU ball training, while the control group will perform retro walking only for 8 weeks. Balance and mobility will be assessed using the Pediatric Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go Test, and One-Leg Stance Test. Data will be collected from specialized schools in Lahore and analyzed using SPSS 27. Ethical approval will be obtained prior to study commencement.
Detailed description
Children with hearing impairment often experience balance and motor deficits due to concomitant damage to the vestibular structures. Interventions focusing on balance training have shown promise in improving postural control and motor coordination in this population. Retro walking, or backward walking, has been identified as an effective exercise to enhance balance and motor control. Additionally, the BOSU ball, a fitness training device that provides an unstable surface, is commonly used for balance training. However, the combined effect of retro walking and BOSU ball training on balance and mobility in hearing-impaired children remains underexplored. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of retro walking on balance and mobility with and without Bosu ball in hearing impaired children.
The study design will be a randomized control trial. Data will be collected from Govt. Deaf and Defective Hearing Model High School for Girls Rajgarh and Deaf Reach School, Training Center and College, Lahore. The study will be completed in 10 months after the approval of synopsis. Children aged 8 to 12 years will be randomly assigned either into the experimental group(n=12) or control group (n=12). The experimental group will be provided retro walking exercises for 30 minutes 8 weeks and BOSU ball will also be 8 weeks duration. The Control group will provide only retro walking exercises for 8 weeks. Participants fulfilling the eligibility criteria will be asked to assign the consent form before entering into the study. Balance will be measured by pediatric balance scale, mobility will be measured by time up and go test and static balance will be measured by one leg stance test. The synopsis will be presented to Research Ethical Committee of Riphah International University, Lahore for ethical approval to conduct this study. Data will be analyzed through SPSS 27.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, investigator)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Retro walking with bosu ball | Experimental | Device: Bosu BallThe experimental group will receive a structured balance and mobility training program that includes retro walking performed with the use of a Bosu ball. Participants will practice backward walking or the unstable surface of the Bosu ball. |
| Retro walking without bosu ball | Active comparator | Other: Retro walkingThe control group will participate in a conventional balance and mobility training program involving retro walking on a stable, flat surface without the use of a BOSU ball. Participants will perform backward walking only under supervision. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 8 to 12 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Child
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Age 8 to 12 years.
- Children with hearing loss in right and left ear (bilateral).
- Children with hearing-impaired intensity over 61 dB.
- Both genders will be included.
- Balance cut off value <45 on pediatrics balance scale.
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Presence of neurologic disease.
- Hyperactivity and vision problems.
- Have any musculoskeletal disorders.
- Children with cochlear implant.
- Children with leg length discrepancy
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Retro walkingThe intervention consists of structured retro walking exercises designed to improve balance, coordination, and mobility. It includes variations such as knee and heel pulling, slalom movements, cross steps, skipping, and fast backward running with different body and foot positions. These activities are performed under supervision to enhance postural control, dynamic stability, and functional walking performance | Other | Retro walking without bosu ball |
| Bosu BallAlso: Retro WalkingThe BOSU ball intervention includes a series of balance and strength exercises performed in both stable (flat side up) and unstable (bouncy side up) positions. Activities involve weight shifting, circular foot movements, squats, single-leg stance, leg abduction, lunges, push-ups, and abdominal crunches to challenge stability. These movements are designed to improve balance, core strength, coordination, and functional mobility under controlled conditions.all these interventions for 8 weeks | Device | Retro walking with bosu ball |
Primary outcome
Pediatrics Balance Scale
Time frame: Baseline, 8weeks
The Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) is a valid and reliable test used to assess functional balance in children. It includes 14 simple activity-based tasks scored out of 56, where higher scores indicate better balance. The test is quick to administer and commonly used in children with balance impairments, including hearing loss.
Time Up and Go Test
Time frame: Baseline, 8weeks
The Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) is a reliable and valid tool used to assess functional mobility and dynamic balance in children aged 3-18 years. It has strong test-retest, intra-rater, and inter-rater reliability and correlates well with other measures of balance, strength, and functional ability.
Single leg stance test
Time frame: Baseline, 8weeks
It is used to assess static balance by measuring how long a child can stand on one leg. The child maintains a specific posture while timing starts when one foot is lifted and stops when balance is lost or the foot touches the ground. Proper posture is required throughout, and the test is repeated if incorrect positioning occurs.
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 30 Sep 2026.
- Background: PubMed 36347786Duarte DSB, Cabral AML, Britto DBLA. Vestibular assessment in children aged zero to twelve years: an integrative review. Braz J Otorhinolaryngol. 2022 Nov-Dec;88 Suppl 3(Suppl 3):S212-S224. doi: 10.1016/j.bjorl.2022.09.006. Epub 2022 Oct 14.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
Related trials for Hearing Impaired Children
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Artificial Grammar Learning in Children Who Are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing: Stimulus Length Effect
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Salma Kanwal, MS-PT principal investigator
Riphah International University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Retro walking and Bosu Ball in people with Hearing Impaired Children, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 30 Sep 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Pakistan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Pediatrics Balance Scale (time frame: Baseline, 8weeks). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07578909, which also lists 1 linked publication.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 30 Sep 2026.