Beneficial Effects of Regular Physical Exercises on Mental State in Visually Impaired and Deaf-blind Adults

Abstract

The most common mental health problems in visually impaired and deaf-blind adults are depression, anxiety, tension, difficulties in falling asleep and disturbed sleep. The physical training program used in this study was designed with the aim of reducing the physical and mental problems of this population. Twenty-four visually impaired and deaf-blind adults completed a 5-6-week supervised physical training program (three 60-minute sessions per week) with varying rhythms of music. Motivation was enhanced in a number of ways, including measurement of weight, blood pressure, flexibility of upper body and trunk and gait analysis before and after the intervention. After completion of the training program the participants themselves assessed the effect of the intervention by answering freely in their own words the question: "Did you feel or notice any effect of the physical training program?" The responses showed that 22 participants experienced improvements in physical condition (binomial one-sided confidence interval CI = 0.76, confidence level 95%), 21 in mental state (CI = 0.71) and 11 in balance (CI = 0.28). According to this study moderate and regular physical exercises reduce mental and physical problems and allow visually impaired and deaf-blind adults to live to the fullest with independent mobility, orientation, and better self-confidence and self-esteem.