Article

PURPOSE: To analyze the practice of physical activity among children and
adolescents with visual impairments (VI), regarding the possible influence of
parental support and perceived barriers. METHODS: Twenty-two young people with
VIs (10 + 2.74 years old) and one of each of their parents were evaluated. They
responded to the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C),
Baecke Questionnaire, the Parental Support Scale and a questionnaire about
perceived barriers to physical activity. The independent samples t-test, pearson
correlation test and chi-square test were performed. RESULTS: Blind young people
showed lower physical activity levels. There were significant correlations both
between parents' physical activity and the support offered to children and
between the PAQ-C results and the importance given by young people to physical
activity, but only for those aged between 8 and 10 years old. The main perceived
barriers were lack of security, motivation, professional training and information
about available physical activity programs. CONCLUSION: The influence of parental
support seems to be an important factor in the adoption of a physically active
lifestyle for young people with VI. Parents and children should have more
information about the benefits and opportunities of physical activity.
Implications for Rehabilitation Young people with visual impairment should be
encouraged by parents to practice physical activity. More information should be
provided on the benefits of physical activity to both parents and children.
Professional training should be available to help support this group become more
active.

Langue : ANGLAIS