Topic Editors

Department of Kinesiology, Sport Studies and Physical Education, College at Brockport, The State University of New York, Brockport, NY 14420, USA
Department of Kinesiology, Sport Studies, and Physical Education, State University of New York at Brockport, Brockport, NY 14420, USA

Health, Physical Activity, and Recreation of Children with Sensory Impairments

Abstract submission deadline
30 April 2027
Manuscript submission deadline
30 June 2027
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582

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Emerging evidence indicates that hearing and vision impairments are linked to higher risks of premature mortality in adulthood, with physical inactivity potentially serving as a key mediating factor. While this association is well documented in adults, less is known about when these activity disparities begin, particularly whether sensory impairments in childhood may lead to early and persistent reductions in physical activity levels throughout the lifespan.

This Topic investigates the critical intersection of health, physical activity, and recreation for individuals with sensory impairments (e.g., blindness, low vision, deafness, or hearing loss). Despite advances in inclusive policies, these children continue to encounter significant barriers—from inaccessible facilities to a lack of adapted programs—that limit their participation in activities essential for physical development, mental health, and social inclusion. By addressing these gaps, we aim to illuminate strategies that can foster lifelong health equity for this vulnerable population.

Prof. Dr. Lauren Lieberman
Prof. Dr. Pamela Beach
Topic Editors

Keywords

  • physical activity
  • physical education
  • movement
  • health-related fitness
  • physical development
  • mental health
  • social inclusion
  • sensory impairments
  • blindness
  • multiple disabilities
  • deafness
  • deafblind
  • motor development
  • self-advocacy

Participating Journals

Journal Name Impact Factor CiteScore Launched Year First Decision (median) APC
Children
children
2.1 3.8 2014 15.6 Days CHF 2400 Submit
Disabilities
disabilities
1.4 1.9 2021 50.2 Days CHF 1200 Submit
Future
future
- - 2023 56.6 Days CHF 1000 Submit
Healthcare
healthcare
2.7 4.7 2013 21.5 Days CHF 2700 Submit
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
ijerph
- 8.5 2004 27.8 Days CHF 2500 Submit
Sports
sports
2.9 4.1 2013 18.7 Days CHF 1800 Submit

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Article
The Psychometric Properties for the VISIONS QL Brief
by Ali Brian, Pamela Beach and Andrea Taliaferro
Healthcare 2025, 13(23), 3046; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13233046 - 25 Nov 2025
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Abstract
Background/Objectives: Children with visual impairments (VI) experience lower Quality of Life (QoL), higher sedentary time, and reduced motor competence as compared to their sighted peers, posing challenges to their health, well-being, and psychosocial development. While several QoL instruments have been developed internationally for [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Children with visual impairments (VI) experience lower Quality of Life (QoL), higher sedentary time, and reduced motor competence as compared to their sighted peers, posing challenges to their health, well-being, and psychosocial development. While several QoL instruments have been developed internationally for children/youth with VI, none have been validated for use with U.S. pediatric populations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the VISIONS QL assessment tool tailored for children/youth with VI, with a primary aim of variable/item reduction to develop a streamlined version of the instrument. Methods: This study featured a cross-sectional, descriptive analytic design with convenience sampling. Participants were children and youth with VI, aged 9–19 years, (N = 148; Boys = 71, Girls = 77; Mage = 14.49, SD = 3.36 years). A principal components analysis (PCA) with orthogonal varimax rotation was conducted to reduce dimensionality and identify components. Results: Results of the PCA yielded three components explaining 46% of the variance: Educational Opportunities = 7 items; Social and Familial Implications = 8 items; Communication = 5 items. Overall, the VISIONS QL Brief had a high level of internal consistency reliability (α = 0.857; Ω = 0.858) and test–retest reliability (ICC = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.84–0.92). The original 63-item version showed concurrent validity with the 20-item brief scale (r = 0.92, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Findings affirm the multidimensional nature of QoL and support the usage of the VISIONS QL Brief and its utility in settings where time, accessibility, and cognitive load are critical considerations. Full article
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