Metamodal proprioceptive intervention to improve sensorimotor control in visually impaired adults: a preliminary study

Visual impairment jeopardizes body kinematics and environmental interactions progressively leading to postural instability, coordinative deficits, and quality of life reduction. Although vision plays a key role in motor function, sensorimotor control mostly relies on proprioceptive inputs provided while dynamically interacting with gravity, and its efficiency is frequency dependent. Therefore, targeted proprioceptive training is necessary to counteract the disability-related deficits. The present preliminary study investigated the effects of an adapted proprioceptive intervention on sensorimotor control of blind adults aiming to improve postural stability, body awareness, coordination, and daily functionality. Twenty legally blind adults aged 18-60 voluntarily adhered to the study. Before and after taking part in the targeted 8-week proprioceptive training intervention, sensorimotor control was evaluated by Brief BESTest and a biofeedback-based device (Libra Easytech) able to adapt multimodal high-frequency stimulation to the specific needs of blind subjects. Psychological well-being and quality of life were also assessed using the 18-item Psychological Well-being and 12 item-Short Form questionnaires, respectively. Post-intervention evaluation revealed a statistically significant improvement in ankle stability/mobility and orthostatic postural control/reactivity in micro and macro instability conditions. Our findings suggest that a targeted metamodal sensorimotor protocol conceived, led, and monitored by a specialized kinesiologist may effectively improve proprioceptive control in visually impaired individuals. The present research might also offer innovative methodological hints to apply in further studies aimed at boosting sensorimotor efficiency and daily functionality in this still under investigated population.