Abstract
ABSTRACT Introduction: Physical exercise can bring important benefits in the areas of physical and psychological health and behavioral aspects. However, there have been few studies that link physical exercise and sleep in people with disabilities. Objective: This study aims to analyze the benefits promoted by swimming in the health and quality of sleep of visually impaired people of different levels of physical fitness. Methods: Thirty male volunteers, visually impaired, aged 16-60 years, took part in the study. The volunteers were divided into three groups: irregularly active (G1), swimming twice a week (G2), and swimming five times a week (G3). Questionnaires related to sleep pattern (Pittsburgh), sleepiness (Epworth), chronotype (Horne and Ostberg) and quality of life (SF-36) were applied. Results: The main results showed that G3 presented better quality of sleep, as well as more effective sleep, compared to the other two groups. In addition, G1 showed poorer scores for quality of life compared to G3 in the domains general health, vitality, and social aspect. Conclusion: We suggest that more frequent physical activity (swimming) has a positive effect on quality of sleep and quality of life of people with visual impairments. Level of evidence III, case control study .
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