Accuracy of facing movements executed without vision

Effect of absence of vision on posture

[Purpose] The visual system is one of the sensory systems that enables the body to assess and process information about the external environment. In the absence of vision, a blind person loses contact with the outside world and develops faulty motor patterns, which results in postural deficiencies. However, literature regarding the development of such deficiencies is limited. The aim of this study was to discuss the effect of absence of vision on posture, the possible biomechanics behind the resulting postural deficiencies, and strategies to correct and prevent them. [Subjects and Methods] Various electronic databases including PubMed, Medline, and Google scholar were examined using the words “body”, “posture”, “blind” and “absence of vision”. References in the retrieved articles were also examined for cross-references. The search was limited to articles in the English language. [Results] A total of 74 papers were shortlisted for this review, most of which dated back to the 1950s and 60s. [Conclusion] Blind people exhibit consistent musculoskeletal deformities. Absence of vision leads to numerous abnormal sensory and motor interactions that often limit blind people in isolation. Rehabilitation of the blind is a multidisciplinary task. Specialists from different fields need to diagnose and treat the deficiencies of the blind together as a team. Before restoring the normal mechanics of posture and gait, the missing link with the external world should be reestablished.

A comparison of selected behaviors of identical twins, one blind from birth

The purpose of this study was to compare differences in mental-emotional, fine perceptual-motor and gross motor behaviors of a set of 13 year-old identical twins, one of whom was blind from birth. In general, the blind twin was superior in performances where total body involvements were minimal and fine manipulative movements of the hands and/or fingers were stressed. The blind twin also appeared to be more well-adjusted emotionally than the sighted twin.

The development or re-establishment of movement in patients with abnormal vision

It is a most surprising fact that the study of movement in relation to vision has almost totally evaded scientific investigation up to a few years ago. As I stated in 1964, the problem presented itself to me as soon as I entered a school for the blind. Why, if blindness was their only handicap did these children present such a picture of physical abnormality, poor posture, awkward gait and a vast range of neurological symptoms reminiscent of almost every disease of the nervous system? In 1966, Dr. Irwin Siegel, consultant orthopaedist to the Chicago Institute for the Visually Handicapped wrote, "Two years ago I blindfolded myself and took a step-as an orthopaedist I had treated many posture problems, but always in sighted patients. The blindfold changed this, for with one step I entered a world where posture, balance and mobility were not governed by sight." If not by sight, then by what?