## 4 Discussion
### Differences in Anthropometric Characteristics between Soccer Players and Sedentary People  
It should be mentioned that the targets of the present study were to examine the differences in anthropometric characteristics and VO\({}_{\text{2 max}}\) between sedentary men and soccer players with visual impairment and the possible relationship between VO\({}_{\text{2 max}}\) and parameters during a soccer match. In general, the findings of the present study showed that soccer players had a lower weight and a lower BMI than sedentary men. The obesity of people with visual impairment may be partly connected to a lack of habitual physical activity [25]. Habits related to physical activity during childhood are also adopted during adulthood. Also, an obese child is very likely to be an obese adult [26]. It is crucial for youth with visual impairment to adopt an active lifestyle and participate in any kind of sport. The BMI of the participants (soccer players) in the present study was similar to the values mentioned in a previous study [22]. Another important finding of the present study was that soccer players showed greater values of VO\({}_{\text{2 max}}\) than sedentary men. A crucial ability of soccer players is aerobic capacity. The most useful index to assess this capacity is VO\({}_{\text{2 max}}\), which is the ability of the body to maximize the use of oxygen during maximal effort. Despite the adjustments to the rules for soccer players with visual impairment, the sport is especially demanding of aerobic capacity. In the present study, the VO\({}_{\text{2 max}}\) of the soccer players was higher than that of the sedentary men. Although the absolute value of VO\({}_{\text{2 max}}\) between players and nonplayers differed only by 8.6%, the relative value of VO\({}_{\text{2 max}}\) differed by 42.9%. This indicates the significant influence of weight on VO\({}_{\text{2 max}}\). The studies that were performed on people with visual impairment used different methods to measure cardiorespiratory, muscle strength and body fat, and it is difficult to compare their results [26]. This was the first study that compared the VO\({}_{\text{2 max}}\) of soccer players and sedentary men with visual impairment. The soccer players showed a higher absolute and relative value of VO\({}_{\text{2 max}}\) in comparison with the visually impaired sedentary men. From the above, it seems that soccer players with visual impairment maintain their bodyweight closer to normal levels than nonathletes with visual impairment. The relative VO\({}_{\text{2 max}}\) that is important for soccer players is affected by their bodyweight. This observation is evident in the present study, as soccer players and nonathletes showed similar absolute VO\({}_{\text{2 max}}\) values but differed significantly in relative VO\({}_{\text{2 max}}\) values. It is known that a higher relative VO\({}_{\text{2 max}}\) generally reflects better cardiovascular endurance and efficiency, as it signifies an individual's ability to transport and utilize oxygen for energy production. Individuals with higher relative VO\({}_{\text{2 max}}\) levels often exhibit lower risks of chronic diseases like heart disease, obesity and type 2 diabetes. This relationship is grounded in the principle that a strong cardiovascular system enhances oxygen delivery to tissues, improves metabolism and helps maintain healthy bodyweight [27; 28; 29]. Thus, striving to improve and maintain a higher relative VO\({}_{\text{2 max}}\) level through regular physical activity contributes significantly to promoting overall health and well-being. However, people with visual impairment are likely to have lower physical activity levels than their peers with physical or chronic disabilities [30; 31]. Social and self-imposed barriers are the main issues preventing people with visual impairment from participating in any sporting activity [32]. Previous studies have mentioned that physical activity may reduce the risk of developing depression, improve the quality of life and generally improve the mood of people [33].