Audio‐guided exercise at home: Preliminary findings from a pilot study on physical activity for people with low vision

Background: Individuals with severe visual impairments frequently refrain from regular physical activity due to multiple barriers, including transportation difficulties, financial constraints, and limited availability of exercise programs tailored to their needs. These factors often contribute to a gradual decline in mobility and independence. Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of a self-administered, audio-guided training protocol designed to improve mobility in people with severe visual impairments. Design: Nonrandomized controlled clinical trial (number: NCT05956730). Participants: Nineteen adults (55.5 ± 14.8 years, 52% females) with severe low vision or blindness, met the inclusion criteria and completed all the assessments. Interventions: Participants were assigned to an audio-guided (AUD) group performing a 3-month home-based training or a supervised (SUP) group performing identical training in a gym. Outcome measures: Mobility assessment, including Timed Up and Go Low Vision version (TUG-LV), 1-minute sit-to-stand (1-MSTS), the 3-minute step (3-MSTEP), and Sit and Reach (SR) tests, was conducted every 4 weeks. Physical activity level, satisfaction profile, visual functioning, and caregiver burden were recorded. Results: Participants reported no injuries or physical issues, and adherence was >95%. Both AUD and SUP showed enhancements in TUG-LV, 1-MSTS, 3-MSTEP, and SR (time, p <.001), with differences between groups in 1-MSTS and 3-MSTEP (time × group, p = .04). Physical activity level and satisfaction in physical functioning increased over time (p = .002; p = .03), with no time per group interaction (p = .76; p = .37). No significant changes were noted in visual functioning or caregiver burden. Conclusions: Although supervised training showed slightly greater improvements in some outcomes, audio-guided training is feasible, offering a valuable alternative to enhance mobility when supervision is not viable.