Visual Impairments
Conditions
Keywords
visual impairments, traditional exercise
Brief summary
This study aims to investigate the benefits and underlying mechanisms of traditional exercise interventions on the physical and mental health of individuals with visual impairments. A randomized controlled trial design will be employed, enrolling 90 visually impaired participants who will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: a Tai Chi intervention group, a Baduanjin intervention group, or a control group. The Tai Chi group will undergo a 12-week simplified 21-form Tai Chi training program, while the Baduanjin group will receive standardized Baduanjin training. The control group will participate in regular school physical education classes. Eligible participants are university students with visual impairments, defined as having visual acuity ≤ 0.05 or a visual field radius ≤ 10 degrees.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALTaichi
Participants in the Tai Chi group will receive a 12-week simplified 21-form Tai Chi training program. The intervention will consist of supervised sessions conducted three times per week, each lasting approximately 60 minutes. Sessions will include a standardized warm-up, instruction and practice of the 21-form Tai Chi routine, and a brief cool-down period. All training will be delivered by certified Tai Chi instructors experienced in working with individuals with visual impairments. Attendance and adherence will be monitored throughout the intervention period.
BEHAVIORALBaduanjin
Participants in the Baduanjin group will undergo a 12-week standardized Baduanjin training program. The intervention will be delivered three times per week, with each supervised session lasting approximately 60 minutes. Training sessions will include a structured warm-up, guided practice of the standardized Baduanjin routine, and a brief cool-down period. All sessions will be led by qualified instructors with experience working with visually impaired individuals. Participant attendance and adherence will be recorded throughout the intervention period.
Sponsors
Changchun University
Northeast Normal University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE (Subject, Caregiver, Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* University students with visual impairment, defined as visual acuity ≤ 0.05 or a visual field radius ≤ 10 degrees. * Able to ambulate independently without assistance. * No severe cardiovascular diseases.
Exclusion criteria
* Presence of severe physical illnesses or comorbid conditions that may affect participation. * History of psychiatric disorders. * Participation in other structured exercise training programs within the past three months.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Single-Leg Stance Test | Month 3 | Assessment of static balance ability by measuring the duration participants can maintain a single-leg stance before and after the intervention. |
| Timed Up-and-Go (TUG) Test | Month 3 | Evaluation of dynamic balance and functional mobility using the timed up-and-go test, recorded at baseline and post-intervention. |
| Berg Balance Scale (BBS) | Month 3 | Measurement of overall balance performance using the 14-item Berg Balance Scale, administered before and after the intervention. |
| Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) | Month 3 | Assessment of cardiorespiratory endurance using the six-minute walk test at baseline and following the intervention. |
| Handgrip Strength Test | Month 3 | Evaluation of upper-limb muscular strength using a calibrated handgrip dynamometer, performed before and after the intervention. |
| Flexibility Test | Month 3 | Measurement of lower-body flexibility using a standardized sit-and-reach test conducted at baseline and post-intervention. |
| Self-Rated Depression Scale (SDS) | Month 3 | Assessment of depressive symptoms using the Self-Rated Depression Scale before and after the intervention. |
| Self-Rated Anxiety Scale (SAS) | Month 3 | Evaluation of anxiety symptoms using the Self-Rated Anxiety Scale administered at baseline and post-intervention. |
| General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) | Month 3 | Measurement of perceived self-efficacy using the General Self-Efficacy Scale at baseline and after the intervention. |
| WHO Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) | Month 3 | Assessment of overall quality of life across physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains using the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire, conducted before and after the intervention. |
Countries
China
Outcome results
None listed