Hearing impairment, while primarily an auditory disability, can have secondary effects on physical function due to vestibular
involvement, limited participation in structured physical activities, and reduced access to inclusive exercise programs. This
experimental study investigated the effect of a 12-week multicomponent exercise intervention on physical function among
individuals with hearing impairment in Oyo State, Nigeria. A total of 60 participants aged 15–25 years, recruited from
special schools and community centres, were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 30) or a control group (n =
30). The intervention consisted of thrice-weekly, one-hour sessions combining aerobic, resistance, flexibility, and balance
training, delivered using visual cues, sign language support, and large-print instructional materials. Physical function was
measured pre- and post-intervention using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), 30-second
Chair Stand Test, grip strength, Single-Leg Stance test, and sit-and-reach flexibility test. Data were analysed using paired
and independent samples t-tests at a 0.05 significance level. Results showed significant improvements in the intervention
group compared to controls across all measures: Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, showing an average reduction in
completion time from 9.8 ± 1.6 seconds to 8.0 ± 1.2 seconds (p < 0.001). The findings suggest that inclusive, adapted
exercise programs can significantly enhance mobility, strength, balance, and flexibility in individuals with hearing
impairment. It is recommended that such programs be integrated into Nigerian special education and community
rehabilitation frameworks to promote health, independence, and social participation.

Keywords: hearing impairment, exercise intervention, physical function, Nigeria, experimental study, balance, mobility