Blind Athletes Research Articles

Pre and Post Competition Psychology and its Relationship with Competition Results in Lawn Bowl Disabilities Athletes in Asian Paragames 2022

This research purpose was investigated the psychology of disabilities athletes before and after the competition and the relationship with the results of the lawn bowl competition at the Asian Paragames 2022. The research method used is a survey. The 12 blind athletes (6 men and 6 women) participating in this study were aged 37.67±11.07 years, weight 68.58±10.13 kg, height 165.00±7.07 cm, and had 3.19±1.06 years of experience playing lawn bowls. Data analysis was carried out using paired t-test and regression analysis with significance at p<0.05. The results of the paired t-test revealed significant differences before and after the competition in athletic identity (p = 0.000), anxiety (p = 0.000), self-efficacy in sports (p = 0.000), expectations of success (p = 0.000), and mood profile (p = 0.000). The results of the regression analysis revealed that the regression model which included anxiety, athletic identity, expectations of success, self-efficacy in sports, and mood profile was significant for competition outcomes (F = 101.75, p = 0.000), with 99.92% of competition outcomes explained by variations in psychological variables (R square = 0.992). Based on the relationship, only anxiety shown a negative relationship to the competition results with a regression coefficient of -3.102 for anxiety-state and -0.723 for anxiety-trait. In conclusion, improvements are needed in athletic identity, self-efficacy, expectancy of success, and a positive mood profile to reduce the anxiety level before competition then improve competition performance better in lawn bowl athletes.

The role of self-esteem on motivational aspects of Greek blind athletes competing in individual and team sports

Physical activity and sports can be considered important sources of motivation for people with visual impairments; however limited attention has been given to blind peoples' involvement in sports and to the intra-personal variables such as self-esteem and motivation that affect their sport participation. The purpose of the present study was a) to explore the relationship between self-esteem and intrinsic motivation in blind athletes, and b) to assess the levels of self-esteem and intrinsic motivation and identify differences in intrinsic motivation and self-esteem as a function of gender and sport type (individual-team sports). Participants were 78 (27 females) Greek blind athletes (30.29 ± 1.18 years of age) competing in team (N = 44) and individual (N = 34) sports. Participants completed the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory questionnaire (IMI) and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) questionnaire. The findings revealed that high values on self-esteem could predict blind athletes' perceived competence (p = .001) and strengthen their intrinsic motivation while enabling them to regulate pressure and tension (p < .05). However, female athletes appeared to be more pressured than males (p < .05), and interestingly, team sport athletes scored higher in intrinsic motivation than individual sports athletes (p < .05). The findings provide useful insights regarding the role of self-esteem in blind athletes' motivational profiles and draw attention to the role of perceived competence in blind athletes' sporting experiences, emphasizing that team sport context may serve as a fertile ground for enhancing intrinsic motivation.

Sports Comparison of Running Speed of Blind Athletes Using Technology Assistance and Guide Runner

The purpose of this paper is to compare the running speed of blind athletic athletes at NPCI Bandung City by disclosing the difference in running speed performance of blind athletic athletes in Bandung City when using a running method assisted by a guide runner and when using technological innovations created by students and a lecturer at the Indonesian University of Education, namely Blind Run. This technological innovation received an award from KEMENPORA of the Republic of Indonesia in 2022 and has been implemented for blind athletic athletes at the Bandung City NPCI. The sampling technique used by the researcher is purposive sampling, namely, athletes who are blind and have adapted to using the Blind Run product. A quantitative research method with the Mann-Whitney test is applied to answer the research hypothesis. The researchers' findings showed that athletes who ran using different methods had insignificant differences in speed. This is evidenced by the comparative test results, namely the sig. (2-tailed) of 0,121 or &gt; 0,05 so that hypothesis can be terminated.

Análise da biomecânica em atletas com deficiência: uma revisão sistemática e narrativa

Abstract Introduction Specifically in athletes with disabilities, investigations and biomechanical understanding seem to be even more relevant, as they provide data on how a certain type of disability limits sports practice and also describe parameters that allow the suggestion of relevant adaptations capable of guaranteeing a higher level comfort to practitioners. Objective To describe patterns of biomechanical behavior during exercise in athletes with disabilities, and to discuss possible relationships between the type of disability and the sport practiced. Methods This study performed a search in five electronic databases from the oldest records available until July 2020 using a search strategy that combined terms related to "athletes with disabilities" and "biomechanical analysis." Inclusion criteria: population (amateur or professional athletes with disabilities), intervention (sports practice), study design (observational), outcome (having evaluated biomechanics during sports practice). The biomechanical variables of interest included kinematic, kinetic, or electromyographic outcome measures. Results Tewnty-six articles met the inclusion criteria (n = 705 participants). Biomechanical analysis showed that there is a greater inclination in the angle of the head and an increase in the kinematic variables in blind athletes, which result in less distance, speed, and performance; compensatory body patterns, reduced mooring strength, speed, joint amplitude, and reduced final performance are observed in amputated limbs of amputees; and there was a strong correlation between the subject's functional classification and kinematic parameters in wheelchair athletes, with this being proportional to the level of impairment. Conclusion The outcomes demonstrated that the type of disability and the level of functional limitation are proportionally related to biomechanics in athletes with disabilities.

Throwing Technique Training Model for Blind Goalball Athletes

Throwing is the main form of attack for scoring a goal in a goalball game. This research aims to design and apply throw technique training models to goalball games for blind athletes. The research uses a development study as its method. There were three forms of training models designed in this research whether experts then reviewers. Subsequently, twenty men goalball athletes, divided into two groups of ten each for experiment and control, respectively, participated in evaluating the designs in an eight-week training treatment. In the evaluation process, Aiken V was used to assess the validity of designs. The goalball throw velocity test was used to evaluate both groups' throw velocity, and an independent t-test was used to test differences in both groups' throw velocity. The research shows that the three training models designed are valid (Aiken V value > 0.69). Independent t-test shows that t_count (4.97) > table (2.10) with sig 0.00. It was further demonstrated that the experimental group achieved better throw velocity improvement than its control counterpart. It is assumed that the three throwing technique training models designed were pronounced valid and effective in improving goalball throw velocity.

Analysis of Injuries and Wellness in Blind Athletes during an International Football Competition.

Five-a-side football for blind people is the only adapted football modality present at the Paralympic games. Fa5 is a collaborative-opposition sport in which its participants play with no vision, which causes numerous impacts. At the London 2012 Paralympic Games, it was the sport with the highest incidence of sports injuries. The main objective of this work is to analyse the association between pain perception; spatio-temporal, mechanical, and metabolic workload with injuries; and wellness in players during an international Fa5 competition. The following variables, monitored during an International Fa5 Tournament, were analysed: general well-being, perception of pain and injuries, and the spatio-temporal and metabolic workload. The results show that the incidence of injuries increases as the tournament progresses, where injured players reported greater muscle pain and stress before the matches started. Besides, the players’ internal and external load did not explain the incidence of injury. Still, the values obtained in the wellness questionnaire, the perception of pain, and stress suggested they contributed to the incidence of injury.

Cardiorespiratory capacity in 5-a-side blind soccer athletes, according to the Léger and effort test

Introducción: La capacidad cardiorrespiratoria se define como aquella que sostiene determinada intensidad de un trabajo durante un tiempo prolongado, por lo cual, es considerada importante para la práctica deportiva de fútbol, por lo que se debe evaluar, de manera regular, con resultados que permitan planificaciones específicas para su entrenamiento, en los deportistas con discapacidad visual, que practican fútbol 5 sonoro. Objetivo: Reconocer las características clínico deportivas de 3 deportistas de fútbol 5 sonoro, según prueba de esfuerzo y Test de Léger. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio cuantitativo de tipo de transversal, en 3 jugadores de fútbol 5 sonoro con discapacidad visual, mayores de 18 años, pertenecientes a un club formativo, a quienes se les practicó pruebas de capacidad cardiorrespiratorias, a partir de una prueba de esfuerzo y Test de Léger. Resultados y discusión: Al realizar ambas pruebas, se obtuvo el consumo máximo de oxígeno VO2Máx estimado y otras variables. Los deportistas presentaron un VO2Máx estimado más bajo en el Test de Léger, comparado con la prueba de esfuerzo. Se evidenciaron diferencias significativas en las variables de frecuencia cardiaca, VO2 Máx estimado, distancia recorrida en metros, velocidad máxima y METS. Conclusión: Se considera que la prueba de esfuerzo es la Gold estándar para la medición de la capacidad cardiorrespiratoria, mientras que, el Test de Léger, se considera un método poco preciso para estimar el consumo máximo de oxígeno en esta población, ya que se deben tener en cuenta sus características fisiológicas y los ajustes razonables, acordes a discapacidad visual para Léger

The developments of goalball famous visually impaired blind athletes’ agility using smart ladder drill prototype

Designing the quasi-experimental research method to develop the agility of goalball athletes using the smart ladder drill prototype. The duration of the training was 8 weeks, 5 days per week with a sample size of 20 blind goalball athletes’ students of the Songkla School for the Blind; Songkhla Province, Thailand with purposive sampling was selected. The independent variable is a training program using the smart ladder drill prototype that the smart ladder drill prototype, the master control box, and the remote sensor pad and working concept by Singhachainara et al., (2019) including running, high-knee running, side slides, and footsteps activity developments using pretest-posttest-design method was compared on independent and dependent variables. Training styles obtained with four types: One-Two-Three-Four-In-Linear-Run-Throughs. Statistically significant was analyzed with Cronbach reliability ranged from 0.78 to 0.98, variance ranged from 0.47 to 1.01, F-test analysis indicate that of .01. Comparisons between pre-test activity development and training activities (post-test) of the agility improvements are differentiated of four activity developments, significantly (p&lt;.01). That is, the mean in the training activities of the agility improvements (post-test) was lower than the mean in goalball athletes' agility group's pre-test.

Paratriathlon Race Performance in High-Level Athletes With Visual Impairments: A Retrospective Analysis.

The aim of this study was to compare time-trial performances in elite paratriathlon athletes, according to visual classes, sex, and medal distribution. The data were acquired from official books on Para Triathlon World Cups (2018-2020). The sample included 150 athletes with visual impairment, in classes: PTVI1, PTVI2, and PTVI3. One-way analysis of variance, the Student t test, and χ 2 were used to compare the performance variables and association between visual impairment classes and distribution of medals within different visual impairment classes. Sex comparisons demonstrated better performance for male athletes compared with female athletes ( P < 0.05). In the sex-specific analysis, only cycling velocity was higher for female, being lower for PTVI1 compared with PTVI3 ( P = 0.012). In visual impairment class results, the first transition time was higher for PTVI1 compared with PTVI2 ( P = 0.050) and PTVI3 ( P = 0.027) and, in the second transition, higher for PTVI1 compared with PTVI2 ( P = 0.001). The χ 2 test showed a higher percentage of gold medals for PTVI3 athletes considering the whole group ( P = 0.050). These results indicate that male athletes have better performance than female athletes. PTVI1 female athletes showed lower cycling velocity compared with PTVI3. Considering both male and female groups, blind athletes presented higher transition times and a lower percentage of medals.

The Relationship Between Visual Function and Performance in Para Swimming

BackgroundParalympic swimmers with vision impairment (VI) currently compete in one of the three classes depending on their visual acuity (VA) and/or visual field. However, there is no evidence to suggest that a three-class system is the most legitimate approach for classification in swimming, or that the tests of VA and visual field are the most suitable. An evidence-based approach is required to establish the relationship between visual function and performance in the sport. Therefore, the aim of this study was to establish the relationship between visual function and performance in VI Para swimming. The swimming performance of 45 elite VI swimmers was evaluated during international competitions by measuring the total race time, start time, clean swim velocity, ability to swim in a straight line, turn time, and finish time. Visual function was measured using a test battery that included VA, contrast sensitivity, light sensitivity, depth perception, visual search, and motion perception.ResultsResults revealed that VA was the best predictor of total race time (r = 0.40, p < 0.01), though the relationship was not linear. Decision tree analysis suggested that only two classes were necessary for legitimate competition in VI swimming, with a single cut-off between 2.6 and 3.5 logMAR. No further significant association remained between visual function and performance in either of the two resulting classes (all |rs|< 0.11 and ps > 0.54).ConclusionsResults suggest that legitimate competition in VI swimming requires one class for partially sighted and another for functionally blind athletes.

Assessment of Visual Function and Performance in Paralympic Judo for Athletes with Vision Impairment.

Paralympic judo currently requires all athletes to compete against each other in one class irrespective of their level of vision impairment (VI). Recent evidence suggests that multiple classes are required to enhance fairness, yet it remains unclear how many classes are necessary and what vision tests should be used to define those classes. The aim of this study was to quantify the relationship between vision and performance in judo for individuals with VI. The results were expected to inform the development of evidence-based criteria to structure Paralympic judo competition. The visual function of 53 elite VI judokas was assessed using a test battery that included tests of visual acuity (VA), contrast sensitivity, light sensitivity, depth perception, motion perception, visual search, and central visual field. Performance was assessed by measuring the ratio of fights won across all competitions the participants took part in in the 2 years before and after vision testing. Pearson correlation coefficients and decision tree analyses were used to determine the relationship between vision and performance. Partial correlations were also conducted to determine the unique ability of each measure of visual function to predict judo performance. Visual acuity was the best predictor of judo performance and remained the only visual function related to performance when controlling for correlations between VA and other visual functions. Decision tree analyses suggested to split athletes into two groups for more legitimate competition, using a cutoff point around 2.6 logMAR. Within each of the two resulting subgroups, no correlations remained between any of the visual functions and performance. The results of this study suggest that VI judo competition should be split into separate categories for partially sighted and functionally blind athletes. The inclusion of visual functions in addition to VA does not improve the ability to predict performance in VI judo.

Effect of vision impairment on match-related performance and technical variation in attacking moves in Paralympic judo

ABSTRACT In Paralympic judo for athletes with vision impairment (VI judo) all eligible athletes (i.e. B1, B2 and B3 classes) compete against each other in the same competition. Evidence suggests that athletes with more impairment may be disadvantaged, but that more sensitive measures of performance are necessary to understand the impact of impairment on performance. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between Para sport class and technical variation, time-motion variables, and performance in Paralympic judo. All 175 judo matches from the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games were analysed across 129 competitors (82 male and 47 female). The main results indicated that athletes who demonstrated less technical variation also experienced less competitive success, with the functionally blind athletes (class B1) demonstrating less technical variation than partially sighted (class B2 and B3) athletes (p < 0.05). There was no difference in the time-motion variables between sport classes (p > 0.05). We conclude that measures of technical variation are sensitive to differences in impairment and are suitable for studies that investigate the impairment-performance relationship in VI judo. Results further confirm that some athletes with impairment are disadvantaged under the current rules of VI judo.

Time-Trial Performance of Para-Cycling Athletes With Visual Impairment in Tandem Competitions: A Retrospective Analysis of 20 Yrs.

Identifying performance variables associated with visual impairment classification in para-cycling is one of the steps to improve the evidence-based classification system, and consequently, bring equality in Paralympic sports. Thus, this retrospective study aimed to analyze a 1-km tandem-track race performance among para-cyclists (male and female) with different visual impairment degrees (B1, B2, and B3) and to verify the retrospective performance over 20 yrs in all sport classes. The data were extracted from 427 para-cyclists (251 male and 176 female) who competed in the Para-Cycling World Championships and Paralympic Games. The following performance variables were analyzed: time trial, velocity, pace strategies, and number of medals. A one-way analysis of variance was used to compare performance variables among athletes of different sport classes (B1, B2, and B3) and χ2 tests were implemented to test the association between sport classes and medal distribution with a level of significance set at a P value of less than 0.05. The main results revealed that partially sighted athletes exhibited better tandem-track race performance compared with blind athletes (P < 0.05). Significant associations between sport classes and medal distribution in male (P = 0.026) and female (P = 0.017) athletes were found (higher in B3 athletes). Only 23.2% of male and 41.5% of female B3 athletes were medalists, and B3 athletes performed better specifically compared with B1 in most race distances. Finally, B2 and B3 athletes showed higher performance improvements than B1 throughout 20 yrs in the male group. It was concluded that male and female visual impairment athletes who classified as B1 displayed lower tandem-track race performance and medal frequency compared with partially sighted athletes, mainly considering those in the B3 class. The competitive system for athletes with visual impairment should be improved to provide more equity in the track para-cycling events.

Implementation Of Training Aid Tools Development (Remote Control and Headset) For Sprint Tunanetra Athletes

The purpose of this study was to develop training aids (remote control and headset) for sprint athletes with visual impairments as a directional controller during a sprint running exercise program. The benefit of this research is to produce training aids for sprint athletes with visual impairments. This study uses research and development research and development methods. The research was carried out in 2 places, namely the Yapentra SLB-A school for small-scale trials and Karya Murni's SLB-A large-scale trials for the development of blind sprint athletes in North Sumatra NPC. The analysis technique uses quantitative descriptive. The conclusions of this study are: (1) In using remote control and headsets, athletes focus more on personal abilities without thinking about collaboration, acceleration and communication, (2) Using remote control and headsets, athletes are more confident and more independent in sprinting activities. Using remote control and headsets, guades and coaches are more focused in conveying information and are more efficient in training blind athletes with sprint running numbers by looking at personal abilities and motivation as sprint athletes running norms.

Heat countermeasure support for blind marathon athletes for the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic games.

Heat countermeasure support for blind marathon athletes for the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic games.

May the best-sighted win? The relationship between visual function and performance in Para judo

ABSTRACT This study aimed to establish the optimal cut-off point(s) between classes in a new, evidence-based classification system for VI judo. We collected results from international VI judo competitions held between 2012 and 2018. Data on visual acuity (VA) and visual field (VF) measured during classification were obtained. Performance was determined by calculating a win ratio for each athlete. VA was significantly associated with judo performance (r = −.33, p <.001), VF was not (r =.30, p =.15). Decision tree analysis suggested to split the data into two groups with a VA cut-off of 2.5 logMAR units. Stability assessment using bootstrap sampling suggested a split into two groups, but showed considerable variability in the cut-off point between 2.0 and 3.5 logMAR. We conclude that to minimise the impact of impairment on the outcome of competition, VI judo should be split into two sport classes to separate partially sighted from functionally blind athletes. To establish an exact cut-off point and to decide if other measures of visual function need to be included, we argue for continued research efforts together with careful evaluation of research results from a multidisciplinary perspective.

Development of Sensor-Based Blind Swimmig Aids

&lt;p class="0keywords"&gt;Blindness is a condition where the senses of vision are not functioning (low vision) or overall (total blindness). Persons with visual impairments are who can enjoy swimming with the help of sensors. The aim of the study was to create aids for sensor-based blind visual swimming that can be used during swimming exercises. The method used is a qualitative approach, the main data obtained through observation, questionnaires, interviews, and documentation and procedures of research and development used is the Borg and Gall model. This study is expected to contribute to blind swimming aids material products which are effectively used for swimming exercise skills. This study concluded that the product development sensor based blind learning swimming aids can be used for motion skills training for blind swimming athletes.&lt;/p&gt;

ANALISIS FRAMING TERHADAP PEMBERITAAN DIDISKUALIFIKASINYA MIFTAHUL JANNAH DARI CABANG OLAHRAGA JUDO

The disqualification of the blind female athlete of Miftahul Jannah from the Asian Para Games judo in October 2018 was the first time that happened in Indonesia. The purpose of this study was to determine the differences in news frames between AceTrend and Suara.com related to the Miftahul Jannah case by using several concepts of framing elements from Zhongdan Pan and Gerald M. Kosicki in the form of syntax, script, thematic and rhetorical. The concept is based on the theory of Peter L. Berger to dissect a reality of news, namely the Social Construction Theory of Reality. The results show that the AceHTrend frame through its reporting is more prominent on the justifications of attitudes taken by Miftahul Jannah related to its disqualification from the 2018 Asian Para Games judo sports. Meanwhile the news frame of Suara.com in its coverage highlights attitudes that are more inclined to justification regarding rules Refereeing Rules IJF in judo. Suara.com also said in its report that it did not blame the attitude taken by Miftahul Jannah in defending his belief. This shows that Suara.com wants to be neutral while remaining in favor of the rules of Refereeing Rules IJF in judo.

Climbing as a pair: Instructions and instructed body movements in indoor climbing with visually impaired athletes

The paper investigates instructions in the context of indoor climbing sessions involving blind and partially-sighted athletes. Within this sport setting, climbers with sight impairments are supported by sighted guides (in our data, trainers) who verbally instruct them during the climb. Drawing on data from élite-level training sessions, we analyse the production of the climb as a stepwise and sequenced accomplishment, cooperatively realized through the systematic distribution of action within the trainer-climber couple. The analytical focus is on the sequential and temporal coordination of the trainer's instructions with the progress of the climb. The analysis shows that the trainer systematically produces instructions to locate footholds and handholds before the climber starts moving, and that she subsequently assists the climber in reaching the holds by producing further instructions. The temporal coordination of the trainer's instructions with the climber's movement and her orientation to the tactile and proprioceptive resources available to the climber's perception prove there is attunement between the trainer and the climber's action. Finally, we draw conclusions about the socialization of perception which characterizes this setting. Data are in Italian.

The Effect of Vision Impairment on Competitive and Technical–Tactical Performance in Judo: Is the Present System Legitimate?

In judo competition for visual impairment, athletes of different classes compete against each other in the same category; B1 athletes are totally blind, whereas B2 and B3 athletes are partially sighted. To test for potential competition disparities due a single category of athletes, this study aimed to compare competitive and technical-tactical performance in visually impaired judo athletes with different degrees of visual impairment. The authors analyzed 340 judo matches from the 2012 and 2016 Paralympic Games. The scores, penalties, efficiency index, and types of medals were examined, as well as the technical variation and temporal structure. The main finding was that blind judo athletes presented lower scores (p < .05; effect size [ES] = 0.43-0.73), medals (p < .05), and efficiency (p < .05; ES = 0.40-0.73); different patterns of play; and a shorter time to lose than partially sighted athletes (p = .027; ES = 0.10-0.14). However, the penalties were similar between classes (p > .05; ES = 0.07-0.14). The odds ratio of a winning medal was 3.5-8 times less in blind athletes than in partially sighted athletes (p < .01). In conclusion, blind judo athletes presented lower competitive and technical-tactical performance than athletes with some residual functional vision. These findings provide support for the development of new evidence-based criteria for judo classification based on vision impairment.