Aquatic Therapy for Children With Neuromotor Deficits

Aquatic Therapy for Children With Neuromotor Deficits

The purpose of this study is to explore the feasibility, fidelity and acceptability of an aquatic therapy assessment and intervention for children ages 3-9 with neuromotor deficits such as cerebral palsy. The intervention takes place in a warm water therapy pool, twice a week for ten weeks and targets swim safety skills, upper extremity function and self care participation and performance.

The purpose of this study is to explore the feasibility, fidelity and acceptability of an aquatic therapy assessment and intervention. The intervention will target swim safety skills, upper extremity function and self care participation and performance in children with neuromotor conditions such as cerebral palsy. The study includes an intake evaluation session, twenty sessions of aquatic therapy (twice a week for 10 weeks) and a post evaluation session. This takes place in Columbus, Ohio.

Each session will be a combination of land-based self care training and water-based upper extremity exercise and swim skill training. The intervention structure will include the following:

1. Self Care Session: Doffing clothing, preparing for swimming
2. Motor learning aquatic activities guided by individualized goals
3. Self Care session: Towel dry, rinse off, dressing

Individualized activities will be planned according to the individualized goals written for each child participant.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 3-9 years for the children, 18+ for the parents/guardians.
• child with neuro-motor diagnosis (CP, hypoxia, etc.)
• child impairments in upper extremity function
• child deficits in performance of self care activities

Exclusion Criteria:

• compromised airway
• uncontrolled seizures