Effect of Wall-Assisted Exercises on the Balance and Walking Ability of Visually Impaired Individuals

This study aims to ensure that wall-assisted exercises are among the primary exercises for visually impaired individuals, to observe the effect of these exercises on balance and walking abilities, be able to make efficient progress in a short period of time, to support these individuals’ self-confidence and ability to act independently and to reduce the risks that may arise from loss of balance.7 sedentary individuals with B2 and B3 levels visual impairment between the ages of 16 and 18 voluntarily participated in the study. Once verbal information was given about the study to be conducted to the visually impaired participants, they were asked to take 15 brisk steps and 15 heel-toe steps to determine their spatial orientation disorders and balance losses. During the following 10 weeks, the study involving 5 movements to be applied by means of a wall were applied in company with the verbal and physical corrections of an instructor for 40 minutes a day and 1 day a week. Tests were repeated after 10 weeks. Due to the low number of subjects, the participants were not separated in terms of their gender and the data of the study were expressed in graphics.Looking at the pre-test and post-test averages, the 15-step heel-toe walking duration was 14.71 seconds and the balance loss values decreased by 4.86 points while 15-step brisk walking duration was 2.71 and directional loss decreased by 1.72 points.The study revealed that balance loss and spatial orientation disorder of visually impaired individuals who applied wall-assisted exercises in company with verbal notification and physical aid decreased compared to the pre-study period. These results point to the fact that wall-assisted exercises are quite useful and applicable in the walking training of visually impaired individuals.