Factors That Increase Physical Activity in Youth Who Are Visually Impiared

Abstract

The purpose of this synthesis was to review the literature on factors that increase physical activity for youth who are visually impaired. The selected studies for this synthesis describe barriers and facilitators that influence physical activity levels in youth ages 7-19. As Kozub and Hyun-Kyoung Oh, (2004) noted, individuals with visual impairment have reported lower levels of physical activity in relation to their same age sighted peers. It is important to understand where this population loses its ground in being regularly and adequately physically active. Research indicates several factors that have been shown to increase physical activity in young people with visual impairments that include the use of external motivators as well as through parental influence.