Walking biomechanics and energetics of individuals with a visual impairment: a preliminary report

Abstract

Purpose. Although walking gait in sighted populations is well researched, few studies have investigated persons with visual impairments (VIs). Given the lack of physical activity in people with VIs, it is possible that reduced efficiency in walking could adversely affect activity. the purposes of this preliminary study were to (1) examine the biomechanics and energetics utilized during independent and guided walking in subjects with VIs, and (2) compare gait biomechanics between people with VIs and sighted controls. Methods. three-dimensional motion capture and force platforms were used during independent and guided walking at self-selected speeds. Joint angles, moments, external work, and recovery were compared. Results. the VI group performed independent walking slower and with reduced stride lengths compared with guided walking and sighted controls. Hip range of motion and peak joint moments were reduced during independent walking in the VI group compared with guided walking and controls. Work was greater by 114%, 32%, and 16% in the VI group during independent than during guided walking. recovery was 11% greater in guided vs. independent walking. Conclusions. In the presented preliminary study among 3 persons with congenital VIs, independent walking was a less efficient mode of walking compared with guided walking and that of sighted controls.

Lower extremity coordination during walking in persons who are blind and sighted controls: A preliminary report

“…This is also the first report of joint coordination for persons with complete blindness. In agreement with previous studies (Bennett et al, 2019; Hallemans et al, 2010; Nakamura, 1997), differences between persons who are blind and sighted controls found in this report appear to be mainly reduced stride length and joint ranges of motion, but occur without alterations of inter/intra-limb coordination. The findings from this preliminary report are interesting as proper locomotion (e.g., walking and running) mechanics are not formally taught in structured physical activity contexts (e.g., physical education settings) for persons who are blind (Holland et al, 2020).…”

“…Previous studies have found reduced stride length and sagittal plane kinematics and increased energetic costs of walking in persons with varying levels of vision (Bennett et al, 2019; Hallemans et al, 2010; Kobberling et al, 1989; Nakamura, 1997). Although these previous studies illustrate some important differences between those with a VI and sighted controls, this preliminary study is the first to control for both walking speed (matched speeds for both independent and guided tasks) and subject anthropometrics (age, sex, and BMI).…”

“…However, these variations appear to occur without differences in inter- and/or intra-limb coordination. Thus, despite the advantages a human guide can provide during walking (Bennett et al, 2019; Soong et al, 2000), independent walking could seemingly be just as efficient provided persons who are blind were able to increase their stride length and decrease stride to stride variability.…”

“…Research on persons who are blind in the field of biomechanics is scarce, possibly due to the low-incidence level and complexities with travel for this population. The few studies that have been performed found persons who are blind walk more slowly with shorter strides, increased energy expenditure and mechanical work, and reduced kinematics compared with the sighted controls (Bennett et al, 2019; Hallemans et al, 2010; Knutzen et al, 1985; Kobberling et al, 1989; Nakamura, 1997). Perhaps due to the low-incidence characteristics of this population, all but one of these studies (Nakamura, 1997) have been conducted with fewer than five participants who are completely blind.…”

Balance, gait, and navigation performance are related to physical exercise in blind and visually impaired children and adolescents

“…Postural control deficits have also been found in visually impaired children with amblyopia and strabismus (Zipori et al 2018 ), suggesting that a moderate visual impairment is sufficient to interfere with postural stability. During walking, slower gait velocity, shorter stride length, limited ankle plantar flexion, and a prolonged duration of stance in blind children and adults compared to sighted control participants have been reported (Bennett et al 2019 ; Hallemans et al 2010 , 2011 ; Nakamura 1997 ). The altered gait patterns in the absence of vision have been interpreted as a more cautious walking strategy (Hallemans et al 2011 ; Nakamura 1997 ).…”