Efeito do treinamento funcional no equilíbrio e propriocepção de deficientes visuais

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of functional training on balance and proprioception of the visually impaired. The training program lasted 12 weeks, with two sessions per week and eight individuals participated, 5 of them were blind and 3 were low vision..Postural balance was assessed on a force platform in bipedal condition, with eyes open and closed. The assessment of proprioception in upper limbs was performed with a cinesiômetro, and the lower limb assessment was performed by fixing a fleximeter the knee joint of the dominant participant. The normality of the data was verified using the Shapiro-Wilk test, and the t test for paired samples was applied in order to check the difference between the groups. A statistical program SPSS, version 14.0 with a significance level of 5% was used. As a result noted the lack of significant difference in proprioception before and after training Regarding the balance participants swayed more with eyes closed, but not significant values of displacement amplitude mid-lateral, elliptical area 95% and anteroposterior displacement speed. Were observed no differences in relation to balance and proprioception of the subjects after twelve weeks of functional training. These results can be attributed to the fact that the individuals used an time of the training(about three weeks) only for the familiarization with the class, the materials and the application site activities, besides having very diverse age group and a autonomy in performing many tasks independent of training effects.