Changes in plantar load distribution in legally blind subjects

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Ophthalmology
• Neurology

Background:

• Balance control is crucial for daily activities.
• Visual impairment can potentially affect sensorimotor control.
• Understanding these effects is vital for rehabilitation strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of visual impairment on balance control.
• To compare plantar pressure distribution and center of pressure (COP) displacement between sighted and visually impaired individuals.

Main Methods:

• 18 normal-sighted and 18 legally blind participants (acquired or congenital) were recruited.
• Plantar surface pressures and COP displacement were measured using a baropodometric resistive plate.
• Measurements were taken under both eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in COP displacement were observed between groups in the eyes-open condition.
• Participants with visual impairment exhibited significantly increased plantar pressures in the M1 and M2 metatarsal regions (forefoot) (p < 0.05).
• These pressure differences were more pronounced in individuals with acquired visual impairment.

Conclusions:

• Visual impairment, particularly acquired, leads to increased forefoot pressure distribution.
• This altered pressure distribution is not currently associated with impaired balance control or COP displacement.
• Findings suggest a need for further research into the long-term biomechanical adaptations in visually impaired individuals.