Mobility function in older veterans improves after blind rehabilitation.
This study was conducted to investigate the effects of blind rehabilitation training on self-reported mobility function in visually impaired adults. Mobility function was assessed with a questionnaire administered before and 2 months after subjects completed a comprehensive blind rehabilitation program that included orientation and mobility training. Subjects rated the level of difficulty performing in 26 of 34 mobility situations as significantly lower after rehabilitation. Subjects also rated their confidence as higher after rehabilitation. Substantial improvement occurred in the self-reported mobility function of visually impaired adults after blind rehabilitation and mobility training.
Kuyk
Thomas
T
Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Birmingham, AL, USA. Thomas.kuyk@brooks.af.mil
Elliott
Jeffry L
JL
Wesley
Johnna
J
Scilley
Kay
K
McIntosh
Elizabeth
E
Mitchell
Susan
S
Owsley
Cynthia
C
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001766:Blindness / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008124:Locomotion / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology; D009949:Orientation / Q000502:physiology; D012649:Self Concept; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014728:Veterans