THE EFFECT OF A PHYSICAL TRAINING PROGRAMME ON FLEXIBILITY OF UPPER BODY AND TRUNK IN VISUALLY IMPAIRED AND DEAF-BLIND PERSONS

Abstract

Optimal twist of the trunk, shoulder rotation and reciprocal arm swings are necessary for good balance and gait. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a multidimensional physical training programme on flexibility of the upper body and trunk in visually impaired and deaf-blind persons. Participants were assigned randomly to the experimental and the control group. Fifteen participants (12 visually impaired and three deaf-blind, mean age 55 years, SD 9.0) completed the 5-6-week long physical training programme (three 60-minute sessions per week). The control group consisted of 14 participants (nine visually impaired and five deaf-blind, mean age 57 years, SD 7.2). Two flexibility tests from the Health-Related Fitness Test battery of the UKK Institute were used to assess the results. The experimental group showed statistically significant improvement in flexibility of the trunk (mean of side-bending to the left and right, p= .0068 Wilcoxon signed rank test). In the experimental group a pre-test showed unrestricted flexibility of the upper body in seven participants. In a post-test four participants showed improved flexibility. The test-retest of the control group showed good reliability of these two tests. The Fligner & Policello rank test did not show any statistical difference between the participants with and without regular physical activity (p= .49).