| Summary: | 碩士 === 臺北巿立體育學院 === 運動教育研究所 === 101 === Due to visual function disorder with visual impairments, most individuals with visual impairments are lack of regular exercise and have the problem of balance ability and gait. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of Nordic walking on balance ability and gait of 3 adults with severe visual impairments. The participants were 2 males (K & Y) and a female (J) from a Self-contained Institute for the Blind. The single subject experiment design with multiple baselines was used in this study. The independent variable was the Nordic walking activity program, while the dependent variables were the balance ability and gait. Quantitative data were analyzed through visual analysis included curve, and data within and between phases. C statistic also used as an auxiliary analysis. Interview data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using content analysis method. In addition, the teachers and social workers were required to fill in social validity measure form for social validity. The results showed: (1) Nordic walking significantly improved the balance ability and the gait of the three participants, albeit in various degrees. (2) Nordic walking significantly improved the balance ability of Y. (3) Nordic walking significantly changed the pressure centers of K’s and Y’s right feet. (4) The three participants showed positive attitudes during the process of learning. Nordic walking improved the balance and the gait of the participants, and enhanced their physical and mental status. It was concluded that environment, time and volunteers were three crucial factors for learning.
Key words: Nordic walking, balance ability, gait, foot scan, single subject experiment design
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