Better gait kinematics and balance,worsen body posture: Comparing goalball athletes with non-athletes with visual impairments

Abstract

Visual impairment (VI), encompassing blindness and low vision, is regarded as one of the most prevalent disabilities and functional limitations. Given the unique demands of goalball, including the need for rapid, precise movements and coordination in a competitive setting, it is crucial to understand how gait kinematics, balance, and postural alignment differ between goalball athletes and non-athletes with VIs. Therefore, the current study aims to compare gait kinematics, balance, and postural alignments in goalball athletes with non-athletes with VIs. This case-control research included 30 male elite goalball players and 30 non-athlete peers with VI. The gait kinematics, balance, and postural alignments were evaluated with Kinovea, Heel-to-Toe, and a flexible ruler. An independent t-test and Mann–Whitney U test were used to analyze inferential statistics. There was significantly increased balance (p < .001), stride length (p < .001), stride width (p < .001), scoliosis (p < .031), knee valgus (p < .003), and craniovertebral (CV) angle (p < .003) in goalball athletes. In contrast, there were significant increases in shoulder angle (p < .002) and lordosis (p < .001) in the non-athlete visually impaired people. This study showed that goalball athletes had higher spatiotemporal parameters of gait and better balance. Moreover, they exhibited poorer spine, knee, and head/neck posture. Therefore, it is suggested that we should pay more attention to the postural alignments of goalball athletes to maintain their musculoskeletal health.