Music-integrated strength–proprioceptive training improves lower-limb performance and postural balance in adolescents with visual impairment : a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Adolescents with visual impairment (VI) often exhibit reduced physical fitness (PF) and functional autonomy due to limited sensory input and restricted opportunities for physical activity (PA). While integrating music into exercise programs has been shown to enhance motor engagement and sensory compensation in other populations, its potential role within physical training for adolescents with VI remains underexplored. Therefore, this study investigated whether integrating music listening into a combined strength–proprioceptive physical training program could further enhance PF in adolescents with congenital VI. Fifty-nine volunteer participants were randomly assigned to a physical training group (PTG), music-physical training group (MPTG) and control group (CG). The sit-to-stand test (STST), the Killy test, the functional reach test (FRT), and the single-leg stance test (SLST) were conducted before and after 8 weeks of training to assess PF. Our results showed significant pre–post improvements in all assessed PF outcomes in both PTG and MPTG (all p < 0.001) following the intervention. While both PTG and MPTG demonstrated significant pre–post improvements, post-intervention scores in STST (36.80 ± 6.17 vs. 29.47 ± 3.23 reps), Killy test (77.42 ± 20.10 vs. 63.57 ± 21.16 s), and SLST (25.09 ± 4.33 vs. 20.31 ± 5.99 s) were significantly (p < 0.001; p < 0.01; p < 0.001 respectively) higher in the MPTG compared to the PTG. However, no significant between-group difference was observed for the FRT (42.04 ± 4.81 vs. 40.84 ± 5.82 cm) following the intervention. No meaningful changes were observed in the control group. These findings suggest that integrating music into strength–proprioceptive training may provide an additional benefit for selected functional capacities in adolescents with VI, which may in turn support greater autonomy in daily activities.