The effects of balance and core stability training on postural control in people with visual impairment: A systematic review

Visual impairment is one of the most common functional impairments that considerably affects the postural control process and the ability to maintain balance. The purpose of this study was to perform a systematic review concerning the effects of balance and core stability training on postural control in individuals who are visually impaired. This article comprehensively reviewed studies on balance in individuals who are blind from the following databases: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus from 2007 to 2021. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were people who were blind or visually impaired (acquired and congenital), men and women, all ages, and at least 6 weeks balance or core stability training program. Twelve articles were included in this review. Individuals with visual impairment and blindness from all ages were included in this study. According to this review, all balance and core stability protocols in this article have positive effects on balance and postural control for individuals with visual impairments. Therefore, balance and core stability intervention for at least 6 weeks is one of the more well-established protocols for improving balance and postural control in people with visual impairment and can have a positive impact in risk of falling regardless of age, gender, or severity of visual impairment.