Physical activity and exercise in adults with visual impairments: Benefits, level of participation, barriers, and intervention strategies

Abstract

We start our chapter by defining physical activity and, consequently, elucidating that physical activity can take many facets, including exercise and sports. We will also provide information on why regular physical activity is important for health and well-being and describe general recommendations on its practice in adults. After setting the basis at the conceptual level and on its potential role for healthy lifestyles, we will center our approach on what is currently known about the level of participation of adults with VI in physical activity, as well as the prevalence of sedentary behaviors. Next, we cover the research of the last few years on some of the factors (barriers and facilitators) that influence the adhesion of people with VI to active lifestyles. In the final part of the chapter, we concen- trate on suggestions for future works related to the promotion of physical activity in adults with VI, discussing some intervention strategies that can enhance mobility and physical activity for this specific group of the population.