REHABILITATION AND FUNCTIONAL READAPTATION OF INDIVIDUALS WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENT: GAIT ANALYSIS, BALANCE, AND PHYSIOTHERAPY STRATEGIES

Abstract

Visual impairment significantly impacts autonomy and quality of life, leading to changes in gait and balance that increase the risk of falls. In this context, physiothe-rapy emerges as an essential tool for the rehabilitation and functional readaptation of these individuals. This study aimed to analyze physiotherapeutic strategies and their effects on the gait and balance of visually impaired individuals through an in-tegrative literature review. The search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Sci-ELO, LILACS, Google Scholar, and PEDro databases, limited to articles published between January 2020 and September 2025. After applying eligibility criteria, 4 arti-cles were selected for synthesis and analysis. Results indicate that visual impair-ment compromises postural stability and gait speed, but physiotherapeutic rehabilita-tion programs are effective. Interventions such as balance training on unstable plat-forms, vestibular stimulation, virtual reality, and dual-task training demonstrated im-provements in stability, gait speed, self-confidence, and reduced fall risk. It is con-cluded that physiotherapy plays a crucial role in promoting autonomy and improving the quality of life for visually impaired individuals, highlighting the need for persona-lized and multisensory approaches.