Home-Based Exercise Program for People with Visual Impairments wk11

Research Article Overview

  • Title: Codesigning a Home-Based Exercise Program With and for People With Visual Impairments: A Needs Assessment

  • Authors: Soyoung Choi, Junchi Chen, Emerson Sebastião, Susan Aguinaga, Justin Haegele

  • Published In: Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, 2025, Vol. 42, pp. 173–192

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1123/apaq.2024-0045

Purpose of the Study

  • The study aimed to evaluate the physical activity levels, needs, preferences, and requirements for exercise among individuals with visual impairments.

  • It sought to establish evidence for the codesigning of a subsequent home-based exercise program tailored specifically for this demographic.

Methodology

Study Design

  • A needs assessment study utilizing an online survey methodology.

  • Development of a questionnaire comprising 35 questions, designed by a research team of disability and adapted physical activity experts.

  • Implementation: Online survey conducted from January 15 to January 29, 2024.

  • Participants: 145 adults with severe low vision and blindness.

  • Statistical Analysis: Descriptive statistical analysis and content analysis were employed.

Questionnaire Content

  • Questions: 34 multiple-choice questions assessing sociodemographic characteristics, levels of physical activity, needs, and preferences, and one open-ended question addressing the requirements for future home-based exercise programs.

  • Evaluation for accessibility conducted via Qualtrics software, aided by accessibility experts and users with visual impairments.

Participant Recruitment

  • Surveys distributed with assistance from the National Federation of the Blind and the American Foundation for the Blind.

  • Eligibility Criteria: Adults over 18 diagnosed with severe low vision or total blindness, able to read English, interested in physical activity, and able to access the survey.

  • Phone-based survey options provided also.

  • Visual Impairment Classification: Self-classified into severe low vision or total blindness.

Participant Characteristics

  • Total of 145 participants completed the survey.

  • Demographics:
      - Mean Age: 49.81 years (SD = 14.49)
      - Gender: 102 Female (70.3%), 43 Male (29.7%)
      - Racial/Ethnic Distribution: Majority White (67.6%); various other classifications.
      - Employment and Education: 47.4% reported annual income less than $25,000; 91.7% had some college or higher education.

  • Health Indicators: 97 participants (66.9%) reported chronic pain, with common pain locations being lower back, knees, shoulders, and neck.

Physical Activity Levels

  • Of the 145 participants, 24 reported no engagement in any physical activity.

  • IPAQ results categorized participants into:
      - 32 (26.4%) Inactive
      - 74 (61.2%) Minimally Active
      - 15 (12.4%) HEPA Active

  • Notable Differences: Males more active than females significantly in overall physical activity and MET-minutes/week.

Key Findings from the Open-Ended Question

  • Identified seven main themes for requirements of future home-based exercise programs:
      1. Accessibility: Need for clear verbal instructions and audio descriptions for exercises and equipment.
      2. Nonvisual Learning Support: Proposals for executive summaries, consistent verbal guidance, audio cues, shorter session versions, and relatable terminology.
      3. Safety Management: Importance of guidance on precautions and contraindications specific to users’ safety.
      4. Personalization: Preferences for individual exercise plans tailored by intensity, duration, and frequency.
      5. Motivation: Emotional support and various engagement strategies necessary for maintaining regular exercise routines.
      6. Education: Provision of information on expected exercise benefits and targeted muscle usage for effective workouts.
      7. Technology: Recommendations for audio quality, video accessibility features, compatibility across devices, high contrast visuals, and downloadable audio files.

Implications of Findings

  • There is an urgent need for adapted home-based exercise programs that align with participants' specific health conditions and abilities, particularly as the aging population and demographic shifts continue.

  • The study's findings highlight the necessity of co-designing exercise interventions, aiming for inclusivity and addressing unique challenges faced by those with visual impairments.

  • The research indicates significant health risks associated with decreased physical activity, necessitating new initiatives aimed at increasing activity levels among visually impaired populations.

Limitations

  • The study sample does not represent the broader population of individuals with visual impairments, as the data collection method necessitates internet access, possibly excluding those with economic or educational disadvantages.

  • Predominantly white female participants may influence bias in the results.

  • Self-reported data related to physical activity could lead to measurement inaccuracies.

Conclusions

  • Enhanced understanding of the needs and preferences of individuals with visual impairments can guide the development of home-based exercise programs, which could improve accessibility to physical activity.

  • Future programs should involve detailed audio descriptions, personalized exercises, and educational components to foster engagement and adherence.

Acknowledgments

  • Thanks to research participants and staff from the National Federation of the Blind for their invaluable input.

References

List of references provided at the end of the transcript, including studies and sources cited throughout the research.

The study evaluates the physical activity levels and needs of individuals with visual impairments, leading to the codesigning of a home-based exercise program tailored to this group. Conducted via an online survey from January 15 to 29, 2024, it included 145 adults with severe low vision or total blindness, gathering data through a 35-question questionnaire. Key findings reveal 26.4% of participants were inactive, while 61.2% were minimally active. Seven main themes for program requirements emerged: accessibility, nonvisual learning support, safety management, personalization, motivation, education, and technology. The findings underscore the demand for adapted exercise programs addressing the unique challenges faced by visually impaired individuals, particularly amid increasing health risks due to inactivity. Limitations include sample bias and self-report inaccuracies, emphasizing the need for future programs to enhance accessibility and engagement.

Some potentially confusing aspects of the article include:

  • Terminology: Terms like "HEPA Active" and "nonvisual learning support" may not be clear without prior knowledge of exercise classifications and adaptation strategies.

  • Participant Demographics: The sample mostly consists of white females, which may create questions about the inclusivity and representativeness of the findings for diverse populations with visual impairments.

  • Self-Reported Data: The reliance on self-reported physical activity levels could lead to uncertainties regarding the accuracy of the data collected.

  • Access to Technology: The article mentions the necessity for internet access for participation, raising concerns about how this limitation affects the generalizability of the study to those without such access.

  • Implementation Feasibility: Details on how to effectively implement the recommended home-based exercise program are sparse, leading to questions about practical application and accessibility.

  • Safety Management: The article discusses safety management in exercise but lacks specific strategies or examples on how to ensure safety for individuals with visual impairments during workouts.

  • The study addresses the critical gap in understanding the physical activity needs of individuals with visual impairments, which is often overlooked in mainstream fitness programming.

  • The implementation of a co-design approach emphasizes collaboration with the target population to ensure that exercise programs are relevant and tailored to their specific needs and preferences.

  • The identification of seven key themes for future exercise programs highlights important considerations, such as the necessity for accessibility, personalized exercise plans, and the integration of technology, which can innovate program development in adapted physical activity.

  • The statistical findings regarding gender differences in activity levels can inform future research and interventions targeted at increasing engagement among underactive populations.

  • The study's acknowledgment of health risks associated with inactivity among visually impaired individuals underlines the urgency of developing effective interventions to promote physical activity and overall health in this demographic.

The article provides valuable insights that can aid in developing tailored exercise programs for individuals with sensory disabilities, particularly visual impairments. Here are some ways to apply its findings:

  1. Program Development: Utilize the identified themes (accessibility, nonvisual learning support, etc.) to create exercise programs specifically designed for individuals with sensory disabilities, ensuring that they meet their unique needs and preferences.

  2. Collaboration and Co-Design: Involve individuals with sensory disabilities in the design process of these programs to ensure their perspectives and experiences inform the development, making the programs more relevant and engaging.

  3. Training for Instructors: Provide training for fitness instructors on the specific needs of individuals with sensory disabilities, helping them understand how to deliver instructions effectively (e.g., using verbal cues and audio descriptions).

  4. Technology Integration: Incorporate adaptive technology, as suggested in the article, to enhance the accessibility of exercise programs, such as using audio assistive devices or apps that provide real-time feedback and guidance.

  5. Awareness Building: Share the findings of the study with community organizations and stakeholders to raise awareness about the importance of physical activity among individuals with sensory disabilities, advocating for inclusivity in fitness programs.