Comparison of Performance-Related Parameters of Hearing-Impaired and Non-Hearing-Impaired Curling National Team Athletes

Öz

The evaluation of performance-related parameters in curling is essential for achieving high levels of success. The literature on performance parameters such as balance, flexibility and core strength in hearing-impaired curling athletes is limited. The aim of this study is to compare the bilateral balance, flexibility, and core strength performance of hearing-impaired and non-hearing-impaired national curling team athletes. The research group consisted of 20 hearing-impaired curling athletes (26.8 ± 5.4 years) and 20 non-hearing-impaired curling athletes (27.1 ± 4.8 years). All athletes underwent a curling-specific balance test (CSBT), sit-reach test, and plank test.  All tests were conducted under similar conditions and on a single day. The main findings of the study revealed that hearing-impaired athletes performed significantly worse than non-hearing-impaired athletes in terms of balance, plank duration, and flexibility (p<0.05). As a result, it indicates that the dysfunction of the vestibular system in hearing-impaired curling athletes negatively affects their curling performance. It is recommended that training programmes be designed to improve balance, flexibility, and core strength performance.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Hearing impaired
• Curling
• Balance
• Flexibility
• Plank

Destekleyen Kurum

The author(s) declare that they received financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. This study was supported by the Atatürk University Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit (Project No: TKP-2024-14101).

Etik Beyan

This research was conducted in accordance with the ethical principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki and was approved by the Unit Ethics Committee of Atatürk University, Faculty of Sport Sciences, at its meeting dated 26/03/2024 (Decision No: E-70400699–050.02.04-2400104179).

Kaynakça

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