Cardiovascular endurance training (CVET), or continuous, whole-body activity involving a major portion of the total muscle mass, is suggested as a positive and feasible activity for blind persons. Evidence is presented that supports CVET as an agent capable of 1) producing adequate levels of physical fitness, 2) reducing to some degree the probability of coronary heart disease, and 3) reducing the effects of the state of anxiety accompanying unguided blind mobility. A program of chair stepping, which may be implemented as a progressive and productive CVET regimen, is described.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
deVriesH. R., and AdamsG. M.Electromygraphic comparisons of single doses of exercise and meprobamate as to effects on muscular relaxation.American Journal of Physical Medicine, 1972, 51, 130–141.
2.
EkblomB., AstrandP. O., SaltinB., StenbergJ., and WallstromB.Effect of training on circulatory response to exercise.Journal of Applied Physiology, 1968, 24, 518–528.
3.
FariaI.Cardiovascular response to exercise as influenced by training of various intensities.Research Quarterly, 1970, 41, 44–50.
4.
FoxS. M., and HaskellW. L.Physical activity and the prevention of coronary heart disease.Bulletin of the New York Academy of Medicine, 1968, 44, 950–967.
5.
HeyesR. D.Blindness and yoga.New Outlook for the Blind, 1974, 68, 385–393.
6.
KarvonenM. J., KentalaE., and MustalaO.The effects of training on heart rate.Annales Mediciae Experimentalis et Biologiae Fenniae, 1957, 35, 307–315.
7.
KnuttgenH. G., NordesjoL. O., OllanderB., and SaltinB.Physical conditioning through interval training with young male adults.Medicine and Science in Sports, 1973, 5, 220–226.
8.
LawrenceG.Health is where you find it.St. Dunstan's Review, 1973, 647, 4–7.
9.
MichaelE. D.Stress adaptation through exercise.Research Quarterly, 1957, 28, 50–54.
10.
PeakeP., and LeonardJ. A.The use of heart rate as an index of stress in blind pedestrians.Ergonomics, 1971, 14, 189–204.
11.
PollockM. L., CuretonT. K., and GreningerM. S.Effects of frequency of training on working capacity, cardiovascular function, and body composition of adult men.Medicine and Science in Sports, 1969, 1, 70–74.
12.
SelyeH.The stress of life.New York: McGraw-Hill, 1956.
13.
ZohmanL. R.Exercise your way to fitness and heart health.New York: CPS International, 1974.
