School-Based Proprioceptive and Plyometric Training Improves Balance in Students with Visual Impairment: A 12-Week Controlled Study

This study examined the efficacy of a 12-week school-based program combining proprioceptive and plyometric training to enhance static and dynamic balance in children and adolescents with visual impairment. A total of 33 students were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (EG; n = 18), receiving a one-weekly session of integrative training alongside regular physical education, or a control group (CG; n = 15), following only the standard curriculum. Balance outcomes were assessed at baseline (T0) and post intervention (T1) using stabilometric measures under visual deprivation (eyes closed) and BOT-2 (Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, Second Edition) balance subtests. The EG demonstrated statistically significant reductions in ellipse surface area ( p = 0.002, d = −1.29), center of pressure displacement ( p < 0.001, d = −1.67), and sway velocity ( p = 0.015, d = −1.06), indicating improved postural stability when vision was unavailable. BOT-2 Test 4 showed significant intra-group improvement ( p = 0.006, d = 1.37), while BOT-2 Test 3 and between-group comparisons revealed medium-to-large effect sizes, though not always statistically significant. These findings suggest that augmenting somatosensory input through proprioceptive and plyometric training may partially compensate for visual deficits and improve postural control in individuals with visual impairments. This improvement likely reflects the activation of compensatory mechanisms that enhance proprioceptive and vestibular contributions to balance maintenance. Importantly, meaningful improvements occurred with just one weekly session, making this an accessible and scalable intervention for inclusive school settings.