At a glance - Review of intrinsic factors related to fall risk in individuals with visual impairments

JRRD at a Glance

Review of intrinsic factors related to fall risk in individuals with visual impairments

Christopher T. Ray, PhD, ATC, CSCS; Steven L. Wolf, PhD, PT, FAPTA, FAHA

Approximately 1.5 million veterans in the United States have visual impairments. As the veteran population ages, this number is expected to increase. Reductions in overall health, gait, lower-limb power, functional assessment, and balance are associated with aging. Individuals with visual impairments have more health problems than sighted adults, and this may exacerbate their functional decline. Therefore, understanding the relationship between vision loss and reduced physical functioning is crucial. Knowledge of these physiological and functional differences can lead to innovative exercise interventions that may reduce physical disability and falls, thereby offering individuals with vision loss greater independence and enhanced quality of life.

Volume 45 Number 8, 2008
Pages 1117 — 1124

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