Vision-related tasks in children with visual impairment: a multi-method study

Abstract

ObjectiveFunctional Vision (FV) is vital for the successful growth of children with visual impairment. However, tasks related to measuring FV have not been thoroughly studied for this population. To address this gap, this study seeks to establish a comprehensive set of vision-related tasks that consider both the difficulty levels of activities and the ages of children with visual impairment.MethodsThis study utilized a sequential multi-method design, including a scoping review, a qualitative content analysis, and a focus group. Firstly, a scoping review was conducted to identify vision-related tasks based on the literature. Then, to contextualize the vision-related tasks, a qualitative content analysis was carried out. Subsequently, a focus group was conducted to categorize the identified tasks based on their difficulty levels and the children’s level of dependency. We utilized the directed content analysis method to analyze the data, using the occupational domain of the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework 4th edition (OTPF-4) as the primary framework.ResultsDuring the review phase, which included 22 studies, and the interview phase, which involved 16 participants, a total of 95 and 85 vision-related tasks were identified, respectively. These tasks were then categorized into 17 activities and five occupations, which included activities of daily living (ADL), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), education, play, and participation in social activities. Among these occupations, ADL was the easiest, while participation in social activities was the most challenging. Finally, the tasks were arranged based on their difficulty level for children with visual impairment.ConclusionA comprehensive list of vision-related tasks has been developed based on the difficulty level of the tasks and the degree of dependency of children with visual impairment. This list can be used to develop standardized instruments for assessing FV in children with visual impairment.

Analysis of anthropometric indicators of visually impaired children in relation to their healthy peers and according to subgroups of a special medical group

“…The majority of children with visual impairment are characterized by higher than normal body weight, body length and chest circumference. There are additional data confirming the fact that children with visual deprivation have a significantly larger chest circumference compared to children without visual deprivation (Brian et al 2019;Savliuk et al, 2020;Carlijn Veldhors et al, 2023;Ghasemi et al, 2023). The study of differences in the severity of anthropometric indicators in groups of 10-yearold children with visual deprivation, which are assigned to subgroup A and subgroup B of the group, is relevant from a psychophysiological and medical point of view (Sheremet et al, 2014).…”

“…Children with visual impairment have certain specifics of physical development. Anthropometric analysis (based on body length and weight, chest circumference) shows that weight indicators in children with visual impairment are higher compared to their healthy peers (Grygus et al, 2019;Ghasemi et al, 2023;Harlinsʹka (Leychenko) et al, 2021). Children with visual deprivation have lower body length than their healthy peers.…”

“…Analysis of modern scientific research data indicates that there is a certain disproportion in the ratio of body weight and length in children with visual deprivation. Scientists suggest that due to insufficient motor activity caused by difficulties in visual-spatial orientation, children with visual deprivation exceed age norms in body weight (Hatt et al, 2020;Huurneman & Boonstra, 2016;Savliuk et al, 2020;Ghasemi et al, 2023). However, in body length they lag behind the norm (Savluik, 2017).…”

Порівняльний Аналіз Показників Фізичного Розвитку Школярів Із Сенсорною Депривацією Відносно Їхніх Здорових Однолітків Як Передумова Для Обгрунтування Та Розробки Авторської Програми

“…Науково обґрунтовано, що патологія органів зору негативно впливає на фізичний розвиток та негативно впливає на рухову функцію і, як наслідок, на розвитку фізичних якостей. Це обумовлено малорухливим способом життя дітей із депривацією зору [10]. Малорухомість, як вимушена форма поведінки дитини призводить до гіподинамії й гіпокінезії, які, зі свого боку, призводять до низки негативних наслідків: зниження функціональних можливостей, надмірної ваги, зменшення темпів приросту показників фізичного розвитку тощо [6].…”