Self-Monitoring Physical Activity, Diet, and Weight Among Adults Who Are Legally Blind: Exploratory Investigation.
Kamilla Miller, Gerald J Jerome
PMID 36508250WHAT IT FOUND
Adults who are legally blind often rely on mental tracking for weight and diet because accessible tools are scarce.
Talking scales were the most requested support. Clinicians should anticipate barriers like inaccessible labels and lack of blind-friendly gym environments when advising on lifestyle changes.
Key findings
01While 78% of participants reported tracking their weight, less than half used a method that recorded a number for later reference, with many relying on mental tracking.
02The most frequent suggestion for support was the provision of talking scales, with 67% of participants indicating this would be helpful.
03Barriers to tracking diet included difficulty seeing calorie counts and measuring portions, while barriers to physical activity included cost, lack of time, and non-blind-friendly facilities.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
The sample size was small (18 participants), limiting the generalizability of the findings. The sample was recruited via email and advocacy groups, potentially selecting for individuals who were already technologically savvy and health-conscious, which may underestimate the need for assistance. The study was exploratory and descriptive, so it cannot establish causality or the effectiveness of any intervention. Self-reported tracking methods may be subject to recall bias.
Declared interests
None declared.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume that standard health apps or paper-based tracking methods are accessible or effective for adults who are legally blind. The study found that many participants relied on mental tracking due to a lack of accessible tools, and specific barriers like inaccessible scales and nutrition labels significantly hinder self-monitoring.