Effects of Reformer Pilates and Vestibular Exercise Programs on Balance and Gait in Children With Visual Impairment

Effects of Different Exercise Programs on Balance Performance and Gait Biomechanics in Children With Visual Impairment

This study looks at whether Reformer Pilates can help children and adolescents with visual impairment improve their balance, walking patterns, and muscle strength.

Participants are between 10 and 17 years old. They are randomly placed into one of two groups: an exercise group or a control group.

Those in the exercise group take part in 12 supervised Reformer Pilates sessions over 6 weeks, meeting twice a week. Those in the control group keep up with their usual daily activities and do not join the exercise program during this time.

Before and after the 6-week period, researchers measure each participant's balance, walking patterns, and muscle strength. They then compare how much each group changed.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Children and adolescents aged 10 to 17 years
• Diagnosis of visual impairment, classified as degree 2 to 5
• informed consent provided by a parent or legal guardian

Exclusion Criteria:

• Presence of an orthopedic disorder affecting balance, gait, or participation in the exercise program
• Presence of a neurological disorder affecting balance, gait, or participation in the exercise program
• Use of medications known to affect balance or gait