# Lung Function and Health Parameters in Children With and Without Visual Impairment: A Study Protocol for a Two-Phase Study of Comparative Assessment and Randomized Controlled Yoga Intervention

## TL;DR

This study explores lung function and health differences in children with and without visual impairment and tests if yoga can improve these outcomes.

## Contribution

The novel contribution is evaluating yoga as an intervention to improve health parameters in children with visual impairment.

## Key findings

- The study will compare lung function and health parameters between children with and without visual impairment.
- A 12-week yoga intervention will be tested for its effectiveness in improving health outcomes in visually impaired children.
- The research aims to highlight health disparities and potential benefits of yoga for children with visual impairment.

## Abstract

Background

Lung function, a key indicator of physical fitness, is underexplored in children with visual impairment (VI) compared to sighted peers. Although physical activity is known to enhance respiratory function and psychological well-being, children with VI face multiple barriers to participation. This study aims to assess lung function and other health parameters in children with and without VI and to evaluate the effectiveness of yoga in improving these outcomes.

Methodology

The study will be conducted in two phases. Phase one involves a cross-sectional comparative assessment of lung function, autonomic function, muscular performance, postural alignment, and psychological health in children aged 11-18 years with and without VI. Phase two is a randomized controlled trial evaluating the impact of a 12-week yoga intervention on these outcomes in children with VI.

Results

The study is expected to generate comprehensive data on physical, physiological, and psychological health parameters in children with and without visual impairment. It will also evaluate the potential of a 12-week yoga intervention to improve these outcomes in visually impaired children.

Conclusions

This study will provide evidence on health disparities associated with VI in children and assess the role of yoga as a holistic intervention to enhance their overall well-being.