طاهر احمدی

  Purpose: The present study aimed to develop and validate a motor-spatial mental imagery program and its effectiveness on body image and balance in people with visual impairment.

Method: The present study was conducted using a mixed-methods design with both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The research method in the qualitative section was inductive content analysis. The research method in the quantitative section was quasi-experimental, using a non-equivalent group design. The research population in the qualitative section included all texts related to the motor-spatial mental imagery rehabilitation program. The statistical population in the quantitative section included all visually impaired children aged ۱۰ to ۱۴ who are members of the Tehran Province Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Sampling in the qualitative section was based on keywords (visual impairment, body image, balance, spatial skills, and motor skills). The sampling method in the quantitative section was convenience sampling. The research sample was selected after screening based on inclusion and exclusion criteria and randomly assigned to two experimental and control groups. The sample size was ۳۰ children (۱۵ in the experimental group and ۱۵ in the control group). First, the body image questionnaire and balance tests were administered. Then, visually impaired children were randomly assigned to two experimental and control groups. The experimental group participated in the motor-spatial mental imagery rehabilitation program for ۱۰ sessions of ۴۵ minutes each. After the completion of the sessions and ۱ month later (to assess the stability of the program's effectiveness), the questionnaire and tests were completed again by both groups.

Findings: In the qualitative section of the research, qualitative content analysis with an inductive approach was used to develop the treatment program. In the quantitative section, multivariate and univariate mixed ANOVA tests were used. In the quantitative section, the results showed that body image and dynamic balance (p < ۰.۰۵) improved, but this effect was not significant for static balance (p > ۰.۰۵).

Conclusion: Based on the evidence, it seems that the motor-spatial imagery rehabilitation program is a desirable method for improving body image and balance in individuals with visual impairment.

Keywords: Visual impairment, Mental imagery, Body image, Balance, Motor skills, Spatial skills