Exploring the Experiences of Runners with Visual Impairments and Sighted Guides

Lindsay E. Ball (), Lauren J. Lieberman, Pamela Beach, Melanie Perreault and Jason Rich
Additional contact information
Lindsay E. Ball: Department of Human Movement Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA
Lauren J. Lieberman: Kinesiology, Sport Studies and Physical Education, SUNY Brockport, Brockport, NY 14420, USA
Pamela Beach: Kinesiology, Sport Studies and Physical Education, SUNY Brockport, Brockport, NY 14420, USA
Melanie Perreault: Kinesiology, Sport Studies and Physical Education, SUNY Brockport, Brockport, NY 14420, USA
Jason Rich: Wegmans School of Health and Nutrition, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY 14623, USA

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 19, 1-13

Abstract: Running is a popular sport, and, with simple modifications, it can be accessible for individuals with visual impairments, particularly with a sighted running guide. The purpose of this study is to examine the experiences of runners with visual impairments and sighted running guides. Adopting a descriptive qualitative approach to guide data collection analysis and interpretation, seven runners with visual impairments and four sighted running guides were recruited and interviewed. The analysis identified four major themes: (1) benefits, (2) barriers, (3) advocacy, and (4) communication. The identified themes illustrate the influence of participation in running on the health and relationships of the runners with visual impairments, the barriers that exist to participation, and the advocacy and communication needed to overcome those barriers.

Keywords: blind; disability; physical activity; fitness; sport (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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