Abstract
This study compares the physical fitness of 283 segregated resident (SR), 64 segregated nonresident (SN), and 137 integrated (IN) visually impaired subjects aged 10 to 17 years. Subjects were considered visually impaired if they met criteria for either partial sightedness or legal blindness. All subjects were administered the UNIQUE Physical Fitness Test. Test items included sum of the triceps and subscapular skinfolds, sum of right and left hand grip strength, sit and reach, sit-ups, 50-yard dash, and long distance run. Data were analyzed using multivariate (p< .05) and univariate (p< .01) ANCOVA techniques. Educational environment, age, and gender served as independent variables, and severity of visual impairment served as the sole covariate. Results indicated that educational environment was a significant factor on four of the six items in the battery. Findings suggest that the physical fitness status of visually impaired adolescents may be influenced by their educational environment.
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