Comparison of health related physical fitness in school going children with and without visual impairment: A cross - sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: Health related physical fitness is one of the most important measurement for overall physical status of an individual. Whilst a growing number of blind sports opportunities have been noted in community sport settings in our country, such physical fitness evaluation are necessary for additional information on visually impaired people and also enhance community rehabilitation programs for them to make them physically fit and active in their life.Aim & Objectives: The aim of the study was to compare the health related component of the physical fitness test in normal and visually impaired school going children. The objectives were to compare the body composition, muscular strength and endurance, cardiovascular endurance and flexibility in child with and without visual impairment.Methodology: The total of 122 samples equally divided in each group were recruited, assessed and analyzed using the health related physical fitness field tests for each component and the results were compared between the two groups.Results: The study concluded that there is a significant difference in flexibility and the muscle endurance fitness assessment of children with and without visual impairment. It reported no differences in the body composition, muscle strength and cardiovascular endurance of the children with and without visual impairment.