Blindfolded for Science: An Integration of Dance as Therapy for Visually Impaired or Blind Individuals
Sight is used by our brain as a connecting bridge between other sensory input and stimuli from the world. Since humans are visual creatures, we heavily rely on vision to interact with our environments. Because of this role, impaired vision can diminish a person's confidence in movement, introducing an increased fear of falling ultimately impacting posture. Previous research suggests that these limitations can be overcome through the use of Dance/Movement Therapy, a current form of psychological therapy. Although beneficial to the mental health of participants in the American Dance Therapy Association, the physical effects that dance can have on the human body when visually impaired are not as thoroughly examined. This project investigated the sport of dance and compared the effects that vision state and dance experience had on orientation and posture. Students with minimal dance experience were compared to students with extensive dance experience both before and after one month of blindfolded dance training. They were also compared to students with minimal dance experience who were sighted during the dance training. Although not significant, the blindfolded dance training appeared to improve posture and orientation and is promising as a form of physical therapy for visually impaired or blind individuals, however further research is necessary. Blindfolded for Science page 3 of 46