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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