Dynamic postural stability in blind athletes using the biodex stability system

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics and Motor Control
• Sports Science
• Ophthalmology and Vision Science

Background:

• Upright standing posture relies on visual, vestibular, and somatosensory systems.
• Visually impaired individuals often exhibit poorer postural balance.
• Specific sports activities are known to enhance postural stability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate and compare dynamic postural stability in blind goal-ball athletes.
• To assess the impact of goal-ball participation on postural control in the visually impaired.
• To compare postural stability between blind athletes, sedentary blind individuals, and sighted controls.

Main Methods:

• Twenty blind goal-ball players, 20 sedentary blind controls, and 20 sighted controls (eyes open/closed) participated.
• The Biodex Stability System was used to measure dynamic postural stability.
• Evaluations included adaptation trials and a 20-second balance test, assessing overall, anteroposterior, and mediolateral stability indices.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in all three postural stability indices were found between blind individuals and sighted subjects.
• Goal-ball players demonstrated better stability than sedentary blind individuals, with statistically significant differences in the mediolateral (ML) index (4.47 vs. 6.46, p=0.04).
• Blind individuals playing goal-ball 1-2 days/week showed higher ML stability than sedentary sighted individuals.

Conclusions:

• Vision significantly impacts dynamic postural stability.
• Goal-ball participation enhances dynamic postural stability in visually impaired individuals.
• Regular goal-ball activity offers a tangible benefit for improving mediolateral postural control in the blind.