A peer-reviewed, open-access academic journal dedicated to the advancement of sports sciences for individuals with diverse abilities

Musculoskeletal and Postural Alterations and Exercise-Based Interventions in Individuals with Blindness and Visual Impairment: A Narrative Review

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

1 Tolou Mehr Institute of Higher Education, Qom, Iran

2 Department of Corrective Exercises, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran

APSS/apss.2026.2095943.1029
Abstract
Visual impairment may be associated with changes in postural control, body alignment, musculoskeletal symptoms, movement strategies. This narrative review synthesized evidence on postural, musculoskeletal alterations and exercise-based interventions in people who are blind or have visual impairment. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched for relevant publications available up to December 2025, with reference-list screening used to identify additional studies. Twenty-two publications were retained for qualitative synthesis. Across the literature, forward head posture, rounded shoulders, shoulder asymmetry, thoracic kyphosis, and spinal malalignment have been reported in visually impaired populations, although findings vary by age, severity and onset of visual impairment, physical activity, and measurement method. Direct evidence of specific muscle imbalance patterns is limited; most studies assessed posture, balance, or gait rather than muscle length, strength, or activation. Exercise-based studies suggest potential benefits for postural control and functional performance, while evidence for direct correction of kyphosis or specific muscle imbalance remains sparse and heterogeneous. Because the included evidence spans cross-sectional, observational, randomized, case-based, and review designs, findings were interpreted according to study design rather than treated as equivalent levels of evidence. Further well-designed randomized trials using standardized postural outcomes and direct measures of muscle function are needed.

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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 02 September 2026

  • Receive Date 28 July 2026
  • Revise Date 23 August 2026
  • Accept Date 02 September 2026
  • First Publish Date 02 September 2026
  • Publish Date 02 September 2026