2023 Volume 31 Issue 3 Pages 142-150
Objective: It has been reported that people with visual impairment are physically inactive. Consequently, this study aimed to examine visually impaired individuals’ efforts to participate in physical activity and the support they believe is required. Additionally, this study organized them into levels with reference to the multilevel model and considered intervention plans for each level.
Methods: Focus group interviews were conducted with ten adults with visual impairment. The information was compiled into a concise, appropriate code, and categories were created.
Results: The innovations in physical activity participation were grouped into nine categories: six at the individual/ intrapersonal (e.g., “increasing activity intensity”), two at the interpersonal (e.g., “practicing behaviors with peers”), and one at the organizational, community, and regional level (e.g., “belonging to groups”). Support needed for participating in physical activity was grouped into 13 categories: two at the individual/intrapersonal level (e.g., “own knowledge and skills”), three at the interpersonal level (e.g., “existence of friends who invite me”), seven at the community/regional level (e.g., “facilities accessible without assistance”), and one at the public policy level (e.g., “maintenance of local roads”).
Conclusion: To promote physical activity among people with visual impairment, it is necessary to create a network that enables the sharing of information and educational outcomes among individuals. Furthermore, it is necessary to propose specific services and guides to local organizations, such as sports clubs, to support the promotion of physical activities for people with visual impairment.
