Physical fitness levels of blind and visually impaired goalball team players

Abstract

The purpose of this study to verify the effect of playing goalball on some measures of motor fitness. One hundred and three children (agel3-15 years) with varying degrees of blindness were assessed for motor fitness. All participants were male. The participants underwent motor fitness (balance, handgrip, flexibility, vertical jump, isokinetic concentric peak torque) assessments. There were significant differences between goalball players and non-goalball players regarding many motor fitness components. Non-goalball players were inferior in all motor fitness compared with goalball players. This study suggests that goalball may be considered effective option to improve motor skills in visually impaired children.