Physical activity as the main factor affecting body composition of the visually impaired

Abstract

IntroductionThe aim of the study was to determine how physical activity affected the physical fitness and body composition of the blind and visually impaired.MethodsThe study included 28 male students from the Lower Silesia Special Educational Centre No. 13 for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Wroclaw, aged 18–22 years, with disability degree certificates. The subjects were divided into two groups: physically active men (TR, <i>n</i> = 15) and physically inactive men (NTR, <i>n</i> = 13). The researchers assessed the physical activity levels in both groups with the Physical Fitness Testing of the Disabled (project Unique) battery, and the general and segmental body composition using a body composition analyser (BC-418MA).ResultsMen engaging in additional forms of physical activity presented significant (<i>p</i> < 0.005) changes in most trials evaluating physical fitness, and there were also significant (<i>p</i> < 0.005) differences in body composition between active male respondents and those not involved in extracurricular exercise.ConclusionsAdditional physical activity undertaken by the visually impaired has a positive effect on their physical fitness, namely and primarily on their flexibility, functional strength, speed, arm movement speed, jumping ability, and the strength of the abdominal muscles. Moreover, additional physical activity significantly affects the overall and segmental body composition in the lower limbs and the right upper limb.