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Chronic Effects of Pediatric Ear Infections on Postural Stability
Ohud A Sabir1,2, Eric G Johnson2, Ammar E Hafiz1,2
1Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medical Rehabilitation Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Insights
Children with a history of multiple ear infections or tympanostomy tubes show decreased postural stability. This study investigated the long-term effects on balance in children aged 10-12 years.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neurology
- Audiology
Background:
- Recurrent ear infections in children are linked to impaired postural stability.
- The long-term impact of repeated ear infections on children's balance remains understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the lasting effects of multiple ear infections on postural stability in children.
- To compare postural stability in children with and without a history of ear infections and tympanostomy tubes.
Main Methods:
- Forty children aged 10-12 years were assessed.
- Participants were grouped based on their history of ear infections (0-2 vs. 3+) and tympanostomy tubes.
- Postural stability was measured using the Stability Evaluation Test (SET) and the Pediatric Balance Scale.
Main Results:
- Children with a history of 3+ ear infections or tympanostomy tubes demonstrated significantly poorer postural stability on the SET (p=0.04).
- A significant difference in Pediatric Balance Scale scores was observed between groups (p=0.001).
Conclusions:
- Children aged 10-12 with a history of multiple ear infections or tympanostomy tubes exhibit diminished postural stability.
- These findings highlight a potential long-term consequence of early childhood ear infections on motor control.
Background:
Ear infections in children often cause abnormal postural stability. However, the long-term effects of recurrent ear infections on postural stability have not been investigated.
Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to examine the long-term effects of multiple ear infections on pediatric postural stability.
Methods:
Forty children aged 10-12 years were divided into two groups (18 participants with a history of tympanostomy tubes and/or 3 or more ear infections prior to age five and 22 participants without a history of tympanostomy tubes and/or 0-2 ear infections prior to age five). Computerized Stability Evaluation Test (SET) and noncomputerized postural stability were measured for all participants.
Results:
A significant difference was found in median postural stability scores in the SET during a tandem stance on an unstable surface between the two groups (median (minimum, maximum) of 9.1 (1.4, 11.4) versus 5.8 (1.7, 12.8), p = 0.04). In addition, there was a significant difference in median Pediatric Balance Scale scores between participants with versus without ear infection (54 (47, 56) versus 56 (55, 56), p = 0.001).
Conclusions:
Results suggest that children ages 10-12 with a history of tympanostomy tubes and/or 3 or more ear infections prior to age five have decreased postural stability.
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