This paper looks at the present physical fitness level of blind persons, and presents recreational activities that promote a high level of physical fitness. Test results from students at schools for blind children and from visually impaired students in public schools show significant differences in lateral posture (Kein, 1975), biological functioning (Jan, 1978), and cardiovascular endurance (Stanford; Laughlin; George; 1975) between the blind students and their sighted peers. Other studies suggest methods for integration of visually impaired students into physical education classes with their sighted peers. Recreational activities for blind people should include activities that make moderate demands on the cardiovascular system.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
AdelsonE., and FraibergS. (1974). Gross motor development in infants blind from birth.Child Development, 45, 114–126.
2.
AllanC. R. (1968). Physical education and recreation for handicapped children. Proceedings of a Study-Conference on Research and Demonstration needs. Eric Document Reproduction Service No. E.D. 034345.
3.
American Alliance for Health, (1976). Physical education and recreationWash., D.C.: Eric Document Reproduction Service No. E.D. 146717.
4.
AndersonW. (1968). Teaching the physically handicapped to swim. Eric Document Reproduction Service No. E.D. 040545.
5.
AsanoK., ShuzoK., and AkiraM. (1985). The effects of running training on aerobic work capacity on young mentally retarded persons. From Proceedings, 1984 Olympic Scientific Congress.Eugene, Oregon: University of Oregon.
6.
BeaverD. (1985). The International Blind Sports Association and United States Association for Blind Athletes.Eugene, Oregon: University of Oregon.
7.
BoningerW. B. (1970). Proceedings of the special demonstration workshop for integrating blind children with sighted children into ongoing physical education and recreation programs.Cleveland, Ohio: Eric Document Reproduction Service No. E.D. 046147.
8.
BuellC. E. (1973). Physical education and recreation for the visually handicapped. Eric Document Reproduction Service No. E.D. 079288.
9.
BuellC. E. (1974). Bibliography on physical education. Eric Document Reproduction Service No. E.D. 10092.
10.
BuellC. E. (1983). Physical education for blind children.Springfield, Illinois: Charles C Thomas.
11.
BuellC. E. (1985). Blind athletes successfully compete against able-bodied opponents. From Proceedings, 1984 Olympic Scientific Congress.Eugene, Oregon: University of Oregon.
12.
CordellosH. C. (1976). Aquatic recreation for the blind. Eric Document Reproduction Service No. E.D. 146719.
13.
DepauwK. P. (1981). Physical education for the visually impaired: A review of the literature.Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, April 1981, 162–163.
14.
DoyleD. C. (1981). Ballet for visually handicapped students.Journal of Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, Oct., 1981.
15.
EmesC. (1985). Modifying motor behavior of blind children for participation in sport and physical activity. From Proceedings, 1984 Olympic Scientific Congress.Eugene, Oregon: University of Oregon.
16.
ErsingW. (1968). Physical education and recreation for handicapped children. Proceedings of a Study Conference on Research and Demonstration Needs. Eric Document Reproduction Service No. E.D. 034345.
17.
GeorgeC., PattonR., and PurdyG. (1975). Development of an aerobics conditioning program for the visually handicapped.Journal of Physical Education and Recreation, 46(5), 39–40.
18.
HartmanR. E. (1974). Ball games for visually handicapped.New Outlook for the Blind: 68(8), 348–55.
19.
HaywoodK., and TrickL. (1983). Age related visual changes and their implications for the motor skill performance of older adults. Eric Document Reproduction Service No. E.D. 230538.
20.
HeathF. (1985). A resource book for integrating the visually impaired in physical education. Final draft copy for British Columbia, Department of Visually ImpairedVictoria, B.C.
21.
HeyesD. (1974). Blindness and yoga.New Outlook for the Blind, 68(9), 385–393.
22.
JanJ. E.Differences in biological function between the blind and the sighted.Developmental Medical Child Neurology, 1978, 20(5), 39–40.
23.
JandowskiL. W., and EvansJ. K. (1981). The exercise capacity of blind children.Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, June 1981, 248–251.
24.
JohnstoneP. (1969). Physical education for blind children in public elementary schools.New Outlook for the Blind, 63(9), 264–271.
25.
KearneyS., and CopelandR. (1979). A sports idea for mainstreaming physical education goal ball. (1979).Journal of Physical Education and Recreation, 50(7), 24–26.
26.
KleinK. K., BuddO., WelchP., HammitT., and DyoK. (1973). The effects of lateral postural balancing on gait patterns of blind subjects.American Corrective Therapy Journal, 27(1), 12–16.
27.
KulichevaN. (1972). Organization of recreation for the blind in the U.S.S.R. Eric Document Reproduction Service No. E.D. 091898.
28.
LaughlinS. (1975). A walking-jogging program for blind persons. (1975).New Outlook for the Blind, 69, 314–316.
29.
PepeT. J., and MooneyT. B. (1982). Weigh these complex issues about handicapped kids in athletics.American School Board Journal, 169(2), 31–32, 38.
30.
PringleD., and WinthersJ. (1974). Ya “see” what we mean: Teaching the blind to ski. Eric Document Reproduction Service No. E.D. 091911.
31.
ResnickR. (1971). Recreation: A gateway to the seeing world.New Outlook for the Blind, 65(9), 291–296.
32.
ResnickR. (1973). Creative movement classes for visually handicapped children in a public school setting.New Outlook for the Blind: 67(10), 442–447.
33.
RussoR. J. (1969). Corrective and recreational gym classes for the blind.New Outlook for the Blind, 63(4), 147–151.
34.
SchneeklothL. H., & DayD. (1980). Comparison of environmental interactions and motor activity of visually handicapped and sighted children. Eric Document Reproduction Service No. E.D. 210876.
35.
SeeleW. (1983). Physical fitness of the visually impaired in Detroit public schools.Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 77, 117–118.
36.
SonkaJ. J., and BinaM. J. (1978). Coming out ahead in the long run.Journal of Physical Education and Recreation, 49(7), 24–25.
37.
StephensR. (1973). The use of a “running cable” with blind adolescents who function on a retarded level.New Outlook for the Blind, 67(10), 454–456.
38.
StewartI. (1972). Cricket for blind persons in Australia.New Outlook for the Blind, 66(10), 370.
39.
WebsterR. (1973). Jogging and the blind veteran.New Outlook for the Blind, 67(3), 116–118.
