Impact of Cardiovascular Exercise on Functional Capacity and QoL in Athletes with Hearing Impairment
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66838/Keywords:
Cardiovascular Training, Physical Fitness, Quality of Life, Hearing Impaired Athletes, Endurance, Agility, Strength, Flexibility, Adapted Physical Education.Abstract
Objectives: The study aimed to investigate the effects of cardiovascular training on physical fitness and quality of life (QoL) among hearing-impaired athletes (HIAs). Specifically, the study examined the impact of cardiovascular training (CVT) on endurance, speed, agility, strength, flexibility, and psychosocial well-being.
Methods: An experimental research design with pre-test and post-test assessments was used. A sample of HIAs was selected through purposive sampling from special education and sports institutions. Participants underwent a structured CVT program for a specified duration under supervised conditions. Physical fitness variables including endurance, speed, agility, strength, and flexibility were assessed using standardized fitness tests, while QoL was measured through the SF-36 QoL Questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and paired sample t-tests to determine significant differences between pre-test and post-test scores.
Results: The findings revealed significant improvements in all selected physical fitness variables and QoL after the CVT intervention. Mean endurance scores improved from 6.42 ± 1.15 minutes to 9.18 ± 1.27 minutes (p < 0.05). Speed performance improved from 14.76±0.89 seconds to 13.21±0.74 seconds, while agility scores improved from 18.34±1.41 seconds to 15.92±1.16 seconds. Muscular strength increased from 28.47±4.32 repetitions to 36.81±4.95 repetitions, and flexibility scores improved from 18.25±3.17cm to 24.63±3.48cm. QoL scores also showed substantial improvement, increasing from 58.42±6.85 to 76.94±7.21 after the intervention. Statistical analysis confirmed that CVT had a positive and significant effect on both physical fitness and QoL among HIAs (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: The study concluded that cardiovascular training is an effective intervention for improving physical fitness and QoL among HIAs. Regular cardiovascular exercise significantly enhances endurance, speed, agility, strength, flexibility, and psychosocial well-being.
