The effect of sports on proprioceptive sense and balance in visually impaired people

This study was conducted to examine the effects of physical activity on proprioceptive sense and balance in visually impaired individuals. The research focuses on visually impaired individuals aged 10-16 and compares the proprioceptive senses and balance performances of those who engage in sports with those who do not. The study used measurements such as Angle Reproduction (AYO) and Joint Position Matching (EPE) in specific movements, as well as Pediatric Berg Balance Scale (PBBS) scores for evaluation. The findings of the research revealed that visually impaired individuals who engage in sports perform better in proprioceptive senses and balance skills compared to those who do not. In particular, it was observed that athletes had lower AYO and EPE deviation values in movements such as right hip flexion and right ankle plantar flexion. This indicates that sports enhance the sensitivity of proprioceptive senses and contribute to the development of sensorimotor skills. Additionally, it was found that athletes achieved higher scores on the PBBS, further highlighting the positive impact of sports on balance control. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that physical activity significantly contributes to the development of proprioceptive senses and the improvement of balance control in visually impaired individuals. These findings suggest that sports can be a valuable tool for enhancing the quality of life and supporting the independence of visually impaired individuals. Keywords: Balance, Proprioceptive Sense, Proprioception, Sports, Visually Impaired