Efficacy of a smartphone-based video exergame intervention on balance deficit in children with cochlear implants

Video exergame training shows promise in balance rehabilitation for children, effectively addressing the challenge of poor compliance. However, its application is limited by the need for specialized equipment.

To evaluate the effect and safety of smartphone-based video exergame training in children.

Children with unilateral cochlear implants from the Gansu Hearing-Speech Rehabilitation Centre were recruited. All participants completed exergame training using the ihuman AI Sports app during the school term. Vestibular and balance functions were assessed before and after training, using the Cervical Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential (cVEMP) and the balance subset of Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-II (BOT-2).

A total of 37 children aged 4-7 years with balance deficit (BD) were recruited and divided into two groups based on adherence to the exercise. In Group I, one task of BOT-2 showed significant improvement after 9 weeks exercise. In Group II, total scores and 2 tasks improved significantly after 13 weeks training (p < 0.001).

Smartphone-based video exergame training showed significant improvements in postural stability among children with BD. It is effective and safe, suggesting its potential as a valuable tool for balance rehabilitation in young children at home.