Sensory and balance impairments in Special Olympics athletes: An epidemiological study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Having an intellectual disability increases the likelihood for exhibiting impairments in vision, hearing, and balance. The intersection of these issues has yet to be described in a large cohort. Methods By hosting the largest public health database for individuals with intellectual disability, Special Olympics (SO) offers ∼120,000 assessments completed at competitions between 2007 and 2018. Results Of SO athletes assessed for vision (N = 52,521), hearing (N = 35,073), and balance (N = 31,446), 74%, 28%, and 51% demonstrated a deficit, respectively. Thirteen percent of athletes presenting to three assessments (N = 7,887) showed concurrent impairments. Conclusions The high prevalence of sensory and balance impairments at younger ages (M = 28.8, SD = 14.15) compared to the general population highlights disparities faced by the intellectual disability community and should guide public health policy for improved screening and counselling.