Assessment of Physical Activity of People with Visual Impairments and Individuals Who Are Sighted Using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and Actigraph

Introduction: The aim of this study was to analyze the results of walking assessments and total energy expenditure based on a questionnaire and accelerometer measurements among people with visual impairments and those who are sighted. Methods: The study included 25 persons with visual impairments and 25 individuals who are sighted, age 32.3 +/- 5.3 years. A weekly measurement of physical activity using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire long form (IPAQ-LF) and accelerometer GTX3 ActiGraph was conducted. Results: It was demonstrated that visual impairment affects walking ability, insofar as it reduces the number of steps taken in a day (p <= .05) (ActiGraph); it does not, however, differentiate physical activity level (IPAQ-LF). Moreover, there has been observed a lower energy expenditure in people with visual impairments in relation to intensive (p <= .01) and moderate-level (p <= .001) physical activity. In the group of people with visual impairments, a correlation (p <= .05) was observed between the energy expenditure associated with walking (IPAQ-LF) and the total weekly energy expenditure associated with physical activity (ActiGraph). Also, a correlation (p <= .05) was observed between the total weekly energy expenditure associated with physical activity in the IPAQ-LF and ActiGraph. Discussion: Regardless of the method used to measure physical activity, on average, participants with visual impairments took a smaller number of steps than participants who were sighted. However, the average number of steps taken by participants with visual impairments was much higher than the 3,500-5,000 steps recommended as healthy for a person with disabilities. Implications for practitioners: IPAQ-LF and ActiGraph are effective methods of monitoring physical activity in persons with visual impairments, and may be used in supporting activities that promote taking up physical activity.