Physical activity, body composition, and well-being of school children and youths with visual impairments in Germany

Abstract

The study compares levels of physical activity, body composition values, and emotional well-being of school-age children and youths with visual impairments ( n = 115) in specialized schools with those of sighted children ( n = 118) in mainstream schools. The methodology included pedometers, bioelectrical impedance analysis, and the WHO-Five Well-being Index. In all relevant parameters, students with visual impairments achieved results comparable to those of sighted students, and the degree of visual impairment did not correlate significantly with the parameters. The results confirm the positive effects and the importance of physical activity for students with visual impairments. High levels of physical activity are possible which provide health-related benefits for children and youths with visual impairments.