Διδασκαλία Ρυθμικής Και Χορού Σε Κωφά Παιδιά

Abstract

Children who have permanent hearing impairment are afflicted with handicaps that often have an impact on their total development, adjustment and personality.Impairment of the semicircular canals, vestibule of the inner ear and /or vestibular portion of the VIII nerve has a negative effect on balance. A great difficulty deals with the disability to perceive time intervals and rhythm, consequently.The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of an adapted rhythmic gymnastic and dance programme on the behaviour and motor ability of a group of hearing impaired children, especially on dynamic balance ability and rhythm perception. Twenty nine children with sensorineural hearing loss > 70 dB, 7-9 years old participated in the study. They were assigned to two groups -experiment and controlof 17 (7,94 ± 0,89 years) and 12 (8 ± 0,85) children of the same age, respectively. Both groups adhered to their regular school schedule, which included participation in physical education activity. The experiment group received a 16week rhythmic gymnastic and dance programme at a frequency of 3 lessons per week, for 40 minutes.Instructional procedures were based on demonstration and a total communication approach.The methods of data collection included pre/post test measurements for all participants of both groups in: a) dynamic balance b) rhythm ability and c) behaviour evaluation. The dynamic balance ability was measured by means of a balance deck (Lafayette) in duration of 30, 45, and 60 s intervals. The reproduction of five rhythmic patterns in 3 speeds (allegro, moderato and andante), was used for evaluation of rhythm.For analysis of sound data the Sound Forge 4.5 programme in PC was used. The Rutter teachers' questionnaire scale was used for estimation of behavioural problems.The programme was designed according to certain basic movements drawn from classical ballet technique, rhythmic gymnastics apparatus technique, rhythm and dance elements. The whole programme was designed with no inclusion of sharp activities of competitive rhythmic gymnastics that could generate side effects. A slow, safe, rhythminhibiting, non-threatening approach was used during the whole programme, so no side