Low Vision Does Not Mean Low Fitness: Female Athletes with Visual Impairments Prepare for the Goalball World Championship

Abstract

This study presents a 35-week training and assessment program designed to enhance the physical fitness, strength, and endurance of adult female goalball athletes with visual impairments. Recognizing the unique demands of physical training for athletes with disabilities, particularly those with visual impairments, the program was developed to support their preparation for the Goalball World Championship (GWCC). The training program included 2–3 weekly physical fitness sessions. Assessments were conducted at weeks 1, 22, and 31 to objectively evaluate strength, using three 10RM exercises (i.e., the maximum resistance that the athlete can perform with correct technique for 10 repetitions), and aerobic fitness, measured through running on a treadmill or cycling on a stationary bicycle. Significant and consistent improvements were observed in body weight and BMI, 10RM strength, and aerobic fitness over the 35-week period. These enhancements in physical fitness underscore the effectiveness of the training program. The training and assessment program presented in this study is designed for female adult athletes with visual impairments of all degrees, with general adjustments made to each exercise and personalized modifications tailored to each athlete. While the program is specifically focused on athletes with visual impairments, the principles and methods may also be applicable to other populations with specific needs, though further research is required to determine its broader applicability. This program provides a structured approach to improving physical fitness among visually impaired athletes, with measurable outcomes in strength and aerobic fitness. Practitioners can adapt the methods and assessments described to suit individual needs and ensure a safe and effective training environment that supports athletic performance.