Physical activity barriers among adults with visual impairment: a comparative analysis of visual status and aetiology
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v81.118861Keywords:
Visual Impairment, Physical Activity Participation, Multidimensional Barriers, Congenital Blindness, Acquired BlindnessAbstract
Background: Physical activity participation among adults with visual impairment remains disproportionately low; for instance, in Indonesia, only 30% engage in moderate-intensity activity. Despite these low rates, research often overlooks how specific visual characteristics—specifically visual status and aetiology—influence the perception of obstacles to an active lifestyle.
Objective: To analyse variations in perceived physical activity barriers among adults with visual impairment, stratified by visual status (low vision vs. total blindness) and etiology (congenital vs. acquired).
Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional design was conducted in East Java involving 60 participants divided into four groups (n=15 each) based on their visual profile. Barriers were measured using the Physical Activity Barriers Questionnaire (PABQ), which is grounded in the Social Ecological Model and assesses personal, social, and physical environment domains. Data were analysed using One-way ANOVA with post-hoc comparisons.
Results: Significant differences were found in the social (p=0.033) and physical environment domains (p=0.001), while personal barriers were not statistically significant (p=0.103). Adults with acquired total blindness reported the highest barrier scores, particularly regarding the physical environment (M = 32.93, SD = 7.17). The most substantial difference occurred between the congenital low vision and acquired total blindness groups (Mean Difference = -20.07; 95% CI [-25.53, -14.60]; p<0.001).
Conclusions: The type and origin of visual impairment significantly shape barrier perception. Individuals with acquired total blindness face unique psychosocial and structural challenges following sudden vision loss. These findings underscore the need for tailored, multidimensional interventions and longitudinal research exploring that address both functional and psychosocial aspects of visual disability to improve physical activity engagement.
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