Aquatic Therapy and Cerebral Palsy

Welcome back! Last week I discussed how aquatic therapy is an effective form of stroke rehabilitation due to the range of movement and resistance the pool water provides. This week I will discuss the benefits of aquatic therapy for children with cerebral palsy.

 

Cerebral Palsy is a neurological disorder caused by a brain injury or malformation that occurs during brain development. Children with cerebral palsy have affected body movement and muscle coordination and balance (Defintion of cerebral palsy, n.d.). Physical exercise is an increasingly popular therapeutic method to help improve “muscle strength, aerobic capacity, and gross motor function” (Kelly & Darrah, 2007, p.838) in children with cerebral palsy.

Past exercise therapies for children with cerebral palsy have been land-based. The aquatic environment is a more suitable therapeutic environment for children with cerebral palsy because the water allows children with mobility impairments to move more freely and with less strain. The buoyancy of the water assists with posture and and the resistance of the water aids in muscle strengthening (Kelly & Darrah, 2007, p.839).  Additionally, aquatic therapy in groups provides the ability to incorporate games and socialization into therapy.

The pool is an ideal setting for therapy for children with cerebral palsy. Activities in the pool increase physical activity and allow for socialization. Join me next week to discuss the effectiveness of aquatic therapy on individuals with spinal cord injuries!

Refences:

Kelly, M., & Darrah, J. (2007). Aquatic exercise for children with cerebral palsy. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 47(12), 838-842. doi:10.1111/j.1469-8749.2005.tb01091.x

Definition of Cerebral Palsy (n.d.). Retrieved October 07, 2016, from http://www.cerebralpalsy.org/about-cerebral-palsy/definition

Aquatic Therapy as Stroke Rehab

Welcome back! Last week I talked about how children with autism spectrum disorders can benefit from aquatic therapy both behaviorally and physically. Similarly, aquatic therapy has much to offer to stroke victims. This week, I will discuss why aquatic therapy is an effective form of stroke rehabilitation.

After a stroke, an individual may experience muscle weakness or paralysis on one side of the body.  Exercises must be done to help activate the affected muscles and regain strength. The water provides resistance that aids in increasing muscle strength. This is important so that the survivor can regain their “muscle performance, motor skills, and flexibility” to return to their daily occupations (Kilcullen, 2015).

Traditional stroke rehabilitation generally takes place in a gym. The unconventional setting of the pool allows the patient greater mobility because the water decreases their body weight. Additionally, the water allows greater flexibility and balance. In turn, the client is able to move their body in the water with much less strain than on land (Kilcullen, 2015). Lastly, the warm pool water has the ability to relieve chronic pain that many stroke victims are left with.

Stroke victims can greatly benefit by moving their rehab from the gym to the pool! Stay tuned for my next post on aquatic therapy next week!

References:

Kilcullen, W. (2015). Aquatic Therapy after a Stroke. Retrieved from http://www.strokenetwork.org/newsletter/therapies/aquatic.htm 

Aquatic Therapy and Autism

Welcome back! Last week I talked about how the physical properties of water make the pool an ideal setting for therapy. While many people facing a physical ailment or disability can reap the benefits of aquatic therapy, I wanted to discuss how aquatic therapy can help those with autism spectrum disorders specifically.

Autism is a life-long, neurological and biological disability that affects roughly 2 out of 1000 babies born (Jake, 2003). Those with an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis exhibit delays in language development, uneven patterns of intellectual functioning and difficulties with socialization (Jake, 2003). There are many therapeutic interventions that can help children with autism spectrum disorders function in everyday life. Aquatic therapy is one of these therapeutic interventions that is especially effective.

Children with autism spectrum disorders tend to have sensory difficulties. Many of them either under-react or overreact to stimuli present in their environment. The warm water in the pool along with the hydrostatic pressure work together to calm their nervous systems as well as supply them with constant sensory input that physically suppresses their nervous systems and calms them (Jake, 2003). In addition, play-based aquatic therapy can help the children improve their range of motion, help improve their body awareness, increase balance, and promote neurological development (Jake, 2003).

Along with the physical and neurological benefits that aquatic therapy has to offer to those with autism spectrum disorders, aquatic therapy also gives the children an opportunity to have fun! There are endless amounts of pool games available that feel more like play than therapy. If there is more than one child participating in therapy, there is the added bonus of socialization for the children.  

Aquatic therapy is a game-changer when it comes to fun, effective therapy for children with autism spectrum disorders. Next week I will explore the benefits that aquatic therapy has on stroke victims. Stay tuned!

References:

Jake, L. (2003, September 01). Autism and the role of Aquatic Therapy in Recreational Therapy Treatment Services. Therapeutic Recreation Directory.