Enhancing health and occupational performance: A group-based exercise programme for people with visual impairment

Abstract

Introduction:

As exercise is recognised as a health management occupation that supports daily life, enabling exercise participation falls within the scope of occupational therapy in promoting health and well-being through meaningful activities. This study examined the outcomes of an exercise programme designed to enhance participation of people with visual impairment (VI) to improve their health and occupational participation.

Methods:

A 10-week designed group-based mat exercise programme was conducted for 12 participants with severe VI, using a pretest–posttest design. Outcome measures included physical fitness (dynamic and static balance, flexibility and muscle strength), health-related quality of life (HRQoL), physical activity (PA) participation and occupational performance and satisfaction were also measured.

Results:

Significant improvements were observed in static balance, flexibility and muscle strength, as well as in HRQoL domains of bodily pain, vitality and social functioning. PA participation increased, particularly in moderate PA and walking, with a significant reduction in sedentary time. Ten reported improved occupational performance and nine reported improved satisfaction.

Conclusion:

A structured, adapted exercise programme that facilitates participation can support both health and occupational performance for people with VI, highlighting the role of occupational therapy in exercise-based health promotion and the need to consider occupational performance as an outcome.