Learning gymnastic practices for the inclusion of hearing-impaired students in physical education

Introduction. Inclusion in Physical Education is key to guaranteeing the active participation of hearing-impaired students, overcoming communication and accessibility barriers. Adapted gymnastic practices, through visual and kinesthetic strategies, promote the development of motor skills, social interaction, and group cohesion. Objective. To design and validate a learning program and gymnastic practices that promote the inclusion of hearing-impaired students in physical education. Methodology. The research used a mixed sequential explanatory approach with a pre-experimental and phenomenological design. We worked with 28 students, including one student with hearing impairment. The 8-week intervention integrated adapted visual and gestural activities. Observational instruments were used to measure dimensions of inclusion and semi-structured interviews for qualitative analysis. Results. The data evidenced significant gains in overall inclusion, with an increase in mean values from 24.79 ± 6.69 at pretest to 37.69 ± 3.48 at posttest (P = 0.05). In addition, improvements were observed in group cohesion, communication and positive perception of the adaptive strategies implemented, strengthening integration to Physical Education. Qualitative analysis revealed improvements in group cohesion, communication, and participants' perception of inclusive strategies. Conclusion. The adapted gymnastic practices program was effective in promoting the inclusion of students with hearing impairment in the physical education class. General area of study: Education. Specific area of study: Inclusive Physical Education. Type of study: Original articles.

Angel Geovanny Curicama Ayol, Maria Katherine Quiñonez Panezo, Lenin Esteban Loaiza Dávila, Giceya de la Caridad Maqueira Caraballo

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