Body Awareness and Dance-Based Training for Persons with Acquired Blindness—Effects on Balance and Gait Speed

Abstract

Background: Visual impairment may cause difficulties with motor skills involving postural control. As a part of rehabilitation, it is important to assess whether training can affect postural control in individuals with visual impairment. Aim: The purpose was to assess the effect of body awareness exercises and dance-based training on balance and gait speed in individuals of working age with acquired blindness. Method: Eight subjects with acquired blindness, aged 30–62 years, were recruited from the Low Vision Clinic of Stockholm. An ABA Single Subject Research Design was used. Results of one-leg stance, functional reach, maximum step length, timed up and go, and self-selected and maximum gait speeds were inspected visually and analyzed according to the 2-SD band method. The intervention included body awareness exercises and dance-based training twice a week for eight weeks. Results: Seven subjects completed the study. According to the 2-SD band technique, functional reach increased significantly in six of...