Postural assessment of visually impaired athletes practicing different sports modalities through computerized photogrammetry

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study was to provide a photogrammetric description of the postural alignment of blind athletes. Methods: Thirty blind athletes were evaluated in this cross-sectional study. Athletes were asked to stand at easy with styrofoam balls placed on selected anatomical landmarks, and photographic images were acquired in four view-points. Postural Assessment System (PAS/SAPO) was applied for image analysis. Body’s angles and distances was calculated and transformed in absolute (only positive) values for analysis. A descriptive analysis, together with factor analysis for data reduction, was applied. Results: Absolute values of PAS/SAPO variables results in lower coefficient of variation than the raw values, which potentially enhances the comparative use of these measures. Factor analysis does not result in significant data reduction; however, lateral body’s angles and distances were identified as an important source of data variability. Conclusion: The PAS/SAPO values described here can be adopted as reference for future investigations of postural alignment in blind athletes.