Abstract
Purpose:
To examine changes in health outcomes and quality of life among injured military service members with low vision following participation in an organized sport and recreation camp.
Methods:
Design: Interventional pre-post evaluation. Injured service members participating in a weekend camp through the Lakeshore Foundation's Lima Foxtrot Programs (Operation Night Vision) for Injured Military Families, were given assessments over the telephone at one month prior to camp, two months following camp, and seven months following camp. Participants: As part of this ongoing study, thirteen individuals, 10 male and 3 female, agreed to participate. All participants had a vision impairment. Main Outcomes Measures: Health behaviors and quality of life were measured with the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), Current Level of Physical Activity, the Physical Activity Disability Survey-Revised (PADS-R), the SF-12, and the Lifestyle Profile-II. All measures were administered at all three time points. T-tests were conducted on scores from the baseline and two month follow-up assessments.
Results:
Participants showed significant improvement on both the Physical and Mental Health composite scores of the SF-12. Results showed a significant decrease in scores on the Score C (therapy) subscale of the PADS-R, indicating less time spent in any kind of physical therapy. Finally, participants also reported significantly higher scores on the Health Promoting Lifestyle subscale of the Lifestyle Profile-II. Trends were found for increases in days per week of moderate exercise as measured by the Current Level of Physical Activity, the Score B (general) subscale of the PADS-R, and the Health Responsibility Subscale of the Lifestyle Profile-II.
Conclusions:
Participating in a sports and recreation camp resulted in improvement of health behaviors and quality of life for injured military with low vision. Utilizing camps such as this could help military men and women with vision difficulties better recover from their injuries in areas that standard treatments do not always address as part of low vision rehabilitation. The importance of physical activity and such programs also have implications for civilian populations living with low vision as well.
Keywords: 669 quality of life •
584 low vision