Semi-static postural balance of athletes from different sports modalities with visual impairment

Abstract

Introduction: Vision takes a decisive role in maintaining postural balance and, therefore, people with visual impairment (VI) often have greater postural sway. The relationship between sports practice and postural balance in people with VI is still not very clear. Objective: The objective of the study was to describe the postural balance of athletes with VI comparing them according to the sport practiced. Methods: Cross-sectional study involving athletes with visual impairment (functional classification B1, B2 or B3) of the following forms: judo (n = 17), goalball (n = 12) and football five (n = 10). Postural balance was assessed with a force platform, adopting the bipedal position with feet together and arms extended along the body. Three attempts were made, with two minutes, and the average was computed. Athletes with low vision carried out the task with open and closed eyes. For the analysis were calculated the average area of displacement (AREA; mm2) and average speed (Speed mm / s). The results are presented as median (minimum-maximum) and non-parametric statistical methods were used for analytical analysis (statistical significance = 5%). Results: The groups were similar in terms of demographic characteristics, training time of the modality, in years, and number of training days per week. Judokas presented higher AREA (p <0.01) compared to five-a-side and goalball players, and also higher VEL (p <0.01) compared to five-a-side players (p <0.01). Athletes with total vision loss presented lower AREA and VEL than those with low vision. Conclusion: Five soccer players with visual impairment present lower postural oscillation when compared to goalball players and judokas. In the comparison according to the degree of visual loss, athletes with total vision loss presented better postural control than those with low vision, suggesting that the compensatory mechanisms for postural control are more efficient in the total absence of the visual component.