為EYE而跑~視覺障礙跑者戶外運動需求的初步探討

Abstract

背景與目的：規律的休閒運動及有氧的心肺運動能改善身體機能及強健人體的免疫力，然而相較於一般人，視覺障礙者往往受到視力的限制，遭遇的運動阻礙比一般人更多，休閒活動型態也傾向於靜態類型，導致身體活動水準低下；但是國內目前探討視覺障礙者運動的研究較為缺乏，且多著重在視覺障礙者靜態的探討，鮮少針對視覺障礙者在進行戶外運動所遇到的障礙進行探究釐清。故本研究希冀藉由視覺障礙戶外跑步運動來進行視覺障礙者戶外運動需求探討，期能提升視覺障礙者生活品質，減少因運動不足所造成健康的不良影響。 研究方法：本研究以質性研究進行設計，以半結構式訪談大綱進行訪談。透過立意取樣輔以滾雪球方式進行視覺障礙者與引領陪跑員、相關政策執行者、支持健康運動活動企業及健康促進相關學者等四大類別個人深度訪談收集資料，透過四大類別訪談者之角度，概括性的提出各類人員對於視覺障礙者運動需求的觀點。資料之分析使用內容分析法，運用NVivo 14 整理質性資料之分析，計算出特定編碼出現的頻率，並加以歸納呈現結果。 研究結果：共訪談11位個案，其中視覺障礙者與陪跑員5人、相關政策執行者2人、支持健康運動企業2人及健康促進相關學者2人。視覺障礙者參與路跑運動原因主要為身體健康及拓展人際關係，且在參加跑步後所獲得益處上，除在生理心理社會及靈性上有所改善外，最主要效益亦為身體健康及拓展人際關係。在現行視覺障礙資源上，公益社團以復健諮詢為主，企業以捐贈物資為主，政府以提供無障礙環境為主。在視覺障礙者跑步活動的理想服務上，現有的路跑服務資源主要是要有陪跑員陪伴及活動報名費減免；在專家、企業及政府端認為理想的服務，主要提及平權、合適安全場地及陪跑者的專業教育；所有受訪者認為欠缺的服務依次分別為合適安全的場地、鼓勵宣導、平權及足夠協助的人力。儘管政府積極推動無障礙空間，然適合視覺障礙者跑步運動的環境，仍過於缺乏，無論在政府或是專家學者，都建議應以平權為核心觀念來規劃視覺障礙者合適安全的運動環境。在路跑競賽誘因如報名費減免上，專家與視覺障礙者及政府企業代表未有一致觀點，但皆闡述應充分瞭解視覺障礙者需求來提供服務。 結論與建議：視覺障礙者參與跑步運動可以達成期望目標，並能提升其生理、心理、社會及靈性全方位健康促進；現有的運動空間安全性與視覺障礙者需求有所差異，建議政府單位以平權為核心觀念來規劃視覺障礙者合適安全的運動環境；儘管健康促進專家建議取消視覺障礙者路跑誘因，然為鼓勵視覺障礙者積極養成運動習慣，並透過競賽提升成就感及自信心，仍鼓勵路跑主辦單位衡量誘因之設置；未來研究可以增加多元的個案來源，藉以本研究歸納出的各種因素進行探討，更細微且全面比較各類型視覺障礙者面對各種不同戶外運動之需求及差異，期能完善視障者在戶外運動的照護模式規劃，提升視覺障礙者的運動支持性。

Introduction: Regular leisure activities and aerobic exercises play a crucial role in improving physical function and boosting the immune system. However, individuals with visual impairments often face more challenges in physical activities due to limitations in vision compared to the general population. Their leisure activities tend to be more static, leading to lower levels of physical activity. Currently, research on physical activity among visually impaired individuals in the country is lacking, with a predominant focus on static aspects. There is limited exploration of the obstacles faced by visually impaired individuals in outdoor activities. This study aims to explore the needs of visually impaired individuals in outdoor running activities to enhance their quality of life and mitigate the adverse effects of insufficient physical activity. Method: This study employs a qualitative research design, utilizing semi-structured interviews. Data is collected through purposive sampling and snowball sampling, involving visually impaired individuals and sighted guide runners, relevant policy implementers, health and sports industry representatives, and scholars in health promotion. The perspectives of these four categories of interviewees are synthesized to present a comprehensive view of the exercise needs of visually impaired individuals. Content analysis is applied for data analysis, utilizing NVivo 14 to organize and analyze qualitative data, calculating the frequency of specific codes, and presenting the results. Result: A total of 11 cases were interviewed, including 5 visually impaired individuals and sighted guide runners, 2 relevant policy implementers, 2 representatives from health and sports industry enterprises, and 2 scholars in health promotion. The primary reasons for visually impaired individuals participating in road running activities were focused on improving physical health and expanding social connections. The main benefits obtained from running included improvements in physiological, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects, with the most significant being enhanced physical health and expanded social connections. In the current resources available for visually impaired individuals, non-profit organizations mainly focus on rehabilitation counseling, while businesses primarily contribute through material donations, and the government emphasizes providing accessible environments. Regarding the ideal services for visually impaired individuals in running activities, existing resources primarily include running companions and fee waivers. Experts, businesses, and government representatives emphasize ideal services that encompass egalitarianism, suitable and safe venues, and education for running companions. All interviewees identified lacking services in suitable and safe venues, encouragement and advocacy, egalitarianism, and sufficient assistance personnel. Despite government efforts in promoting accessible spaces, the environment suitable for visually impaired individuals engaged in running activities remains insufficient. Both government officials and scholars recommend a core principle of equality in planning appropriate and safe exercise environments for visually impaired individuals. On the topic of incentives in running competitions such as fee waivers, there is no unanimous opinion among experts, visually impaired individuals, and government and business representatives. However, all parties emphasize the importance of fully understanding the needs of visually impaired individuals to provide appropriate services. Conclusion: The participation of visually impaired individuals in running activities can achieve expected goals and promote holistic health in physiological, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects. Discrepancies exist between the safety of existing exercise spaces and the needs of visually impaired individuals, suggesting that government entities should adopt the core principle of equality in planning suitable and safe exercise environments. Although health promotion experts suggest eliminating incentives for visually impaired individuals in running, encouragement is given to foster positive exercise habits and boost confidence through competitions. Future research should diversify case sources to further explore and compare the nuanced demands and differences faced by various types of visually impaired individuals in different outdoor activities. This aims to enhance the care model planning for visually impaired individuals in outdoor exercises and improve the overall support for their physical activities.