Health-related quality of life, physical activity, and sedentary behavior of adults with visual impairments

Abstract

Purpose: Research suggests that physical activity and sedentary behaviors can impact one’s health-related quality of life (HRQoL). However, little is known about the impact that these behaviors can have on the HRQoL of those with visual impairments. Therefore, the primary purpose of this study was to determine the associations of physical activity and sedentary behavior with HRQoL among a sample of adults with visual impairments.

Method: Individuals with visual impairments were invited via email to complete three questionnaires: (a) the international physical activity questionnaire-short form, (b) the Rasch-revised versions of the World Health Organization Quality of Life instrument with the Level of Independence subscale, and (c) a demographic questionnaire. Eighty participants (M_age=47.5) provided usable surveys for analyses.

Results: The results demonstrated that physical activity significantly predicted HRQoL (F(2,79) = 3.508, p = .035, R²_Adjusted=.060), yet, sedentary behavior did not (F(2,79) = 1.546, p = .220, R² = .039, R²_Adjusted =.014). Gender differences were uncovered regarding the relationship between physical activity and health-related quality of life.

Conclusions: The findings of this study demonstrate the importance of physical activity in influencing the HRQoL of adults with visual impairments. This study supports the need for additional intervention research to promote physical activity for those with visual impairments.

Implications for Rehabilitations

• Adults with visual impairments tend to report lower health-related quality of life than peers without visual impairments.

• Regular participation in leisure-time physical activity, and restricted sedentary time, have been demonstrated to positively influence health-related quality of life for adults without disabilities.

• In this study, physical activity shows promise as an effective means of improving health-related quality of life for adults with visual impairments.

Keywords:

• Vision
• exercise
• well-being
• gender
• sitting time

Disclosure statement

The authors report no declarations of interest.