Houwen, S., Hartman, E., & Cisscher, C. (2009). Physical activity and motor skills in children with and without visual impairments. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 40(1), 103-109.

Abstract written by: Jeni Pierce

This study examines the level of physical activity in children with and without visual impairments to determine whether physical activity levels change with level of visual impairment, the relationship between body composition and physical activity, as well as the correlation between physical activity and motor skills. A total of 96 children were recruited and recorded their physical activity for 4 days using an accelerometer. Gross motor skills were tested by performing locomotor and object control activities. Body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance and Body Mass Index (BMI) was also calculated. Based on the findings, it appears that children with a visual impairment are less physically active than their non-visually impaired peers; however, the study failed to determine if lack of physical activity was due to the lower level of motor skills, or if the motor skills were lacking because of lower physical activity.

To read this full abstract, go to: http://www.ncpad.org/779/4154/Physical~activity~and~motor~skills~in~children~with~and~
without~visual~impairments.