Avaliação da prática de atividade física e composição corporal de pessoas com deficiência visual

Abstract

Visual impairment can perform physical activities and, consequently, a body composition, being a prime factor for health promotion. Thus, the present work aims to evaluate a physical activity practice and a relationship with a body composition in people with visual impairment. This is an observational, cross-sectional study of 97 people of both sexes, with different degrees of visual impairment and frequent supportive diseases for people with disabilities in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. Data collection took place from August 2016 to September 2017, through an interview that addresses the practice of physical activities. To compare sports practice variables between participants with low vision and body composition, a chi-square test was used. Of the respondents, 54.6% reported performing some physical activity regularly. Regarding body composition, 58.3% of participants were overweight when evaluated or BMI (Body Mass) and 80.2% had excess fat when evaluated in Body Fat Percentage. Among participants who were classified as overweight in relation to BMI, who practiced regular physical activity, 79.2% reported a frequency ≥ 3 times a week. There was no significant difference regarding the type of physical activity in relation to body composition, except for the Waist Perimeter variable, which predominated in the participants in Group 3. It was concluded that people with visual impairment suffer from overweight and overweight, these values are not being destroyed in relation to the time it changes and whether the blindness is total or partial. In addition, visually impaired people who practice physical activity are at low risk for the development of cardiovascular disease.