Health-Related Fitness of Youths with Visual Impairments

Abstract: This study analyzed the passing rates on five health-related fitness items on the Brockport Physical Fitness Test of youths aged 10-17 with visual impairments. It found that the youths had low passing rates on upper-body strength, cardiovascular endurance, and body composition. ********** According to the most recent Physical Activity and Health: A Report of the Surgeon General (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1996), physical inactivity is a major health concern for all, but individuals with disabilities are at a higher risk of developing sedentary lifestyles. The health-related fitness levels of individuals with visual impairments are generally lower than are those of sighted individuals (Houwen, Hartman, & Visscher, 2009; Kozub & Oh, 2004; Lieberman & McHugh, 2001; Lieberman, Stuart, Hand, & Robinson, 2006; Longmuir & Bar-Or, 1994, 2000). This fact is not surprising, given that as many as one-third of individuals with visual impairments lead sedentary lives (Longmuir & Bar Or, 2000) and that adolescents with low vision perform fewer activities than do sighted adolescents (Kroksmark & Nordell, 2001). Compounding this issue is the fact that physical activity is inversely correlated with age; the older the individual, the less engagement in physical activity, particularly for those with visual impairments (Kozub & Oh, 2004; Longmuir & Bar-Or, 1994, 2000). Furthermore, the findings of previous research have highlighted the fact that individuals with visual impairments are at a risk of health-related illnesses that are attributed to inactivity and low fitness, as well as a compromised quality of life. It is particularly alarming when one takes into consideration the fact that the energy requirements for activities of daily living increase as vision decreases, because of less efficient movement (Kobberling, Jankowski, & Leger, 1989). A by-product of this inactivity is that individuals with visual impairments who lack motivation to engage in physical activity often become dependent members of society who rely on others for success in navigating the community (Skaggs & Hopper, 1996). Researchers have contended that students with visual impairments have the same potential to develop motor skills and fitness as do sighted students (Shephard, Ward, & Lee, 1987; Winnick, 1985). This point is encouraging, since the need to be in good health is of greater importance for individuals who are visually impaired than for the general population owing to the increased exertion necessary for activities of daily living (Buell, 1973; Skaggs & Hopper, 1996). Health-related fitness can play an important role in being prepared for these added stresses. The components of health-related fitness are aerobic functioning (cardiovascular), muscular strength, endurance, body composition, and flexibility. Students with visual impairments who are included in general physical education classes or physical activity in their schools often do not participate in vigorous physical activities with sighted students (Lieberman & McHugh, 2001; Longmuir, 1998; Longmuir & Bar-Or, 2000). According to Robinson and Lieberman (2004), students who are visually impaired are typically not afforded the same opportunities to participate in various aspects of inclusive general physical education classes or activity environments in the same manner as their sighted peers. Unfortunately, one study documented that at least 42% of students with visual impairments received no or limited access to physical education and athletic opportunities, and 58.9% of the participants reported that they lacked opportunities to be involved in local sports with others (Ponchillia, Armbruster, & Wiebold, 2005). In contrast, when children with visual impairments are involved in appropriate physical education classes, they are more likely to engage in sports (Ponchillia, Strause, & Ponchillia, 2002). …