Physical activity and life satisfaction in blind and visually impaired individuals

Purpose
Physical activity (PA) is known to have a positive influence on many physical and psychological aspects of human life. Despite the many benefits of an active lifestyle, the majority of adults in Western Europe do not perform regular PA, and this is especially so for adults with a disability, such as the blind and visually impaired. The purpose of this study was to assess the type and intensity of physical activity and subjective quality of life (life satisfaction) of blind and visually impaired individuals living in Poland and to analyze for potential differences in terms of their physical activity levels.

Methods
The short form International Physical Activity Questionnaire and the Life Satisfaction Questionnaire were administered to a sample of eighty-two individuals (mean age 38 years) with varying degrees of vision loss.

Results
The study found that more than 50% of the respondents were classified as being highly active and that the total sample was “rather satisfied” with life “as a whole”. The level of PA performed was significantly positively correlated with the level of life satisfaction.

Conclusions
PA increases the subjective quality of life in blind and visually impaired individuals.