The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of a hydrotherapy program on FVC, FEV, PEF, RR and SaO 2 on children with Down syndrome over six months and to compare it with a conventional respiratory physiotherapy program. Eighteen children, with Down Syndrome, aged 6-11 years (9.53 ± 0.454), divided into two groups of nine, the intervention group (IG), that participated in the hydrotherapy program and the control group (CG) participated in the classical physiotherapy program. We calculated mean values of FVC, FEV, PEF, RR and SaO 2 before and after six months intervention for both groups. There was a statistically significant improvement in all factors for both groups. However, were statistically more significant for the intervention group (IG). Based on a specific protocol of intervention in the water and at the same time with a group of children who participated in a similar program of classical respiratory physiotherapy, it was found to be statistically more important than the second group in improving respiratory function. We recommend the use of hydrotherapy as a complementary therapy that should be part of the weekly program of these children in addition to the existing treatments they attend.

<p><strong>Background:</strong> Hydrotherapy according to Halliwick concept is a physiotherapeutic intervention technique for disabled patients and for children with neurodevelopmental disorders. Assessing the balance in children with cerebral palsy (CP) is an extremely complex process and more difficult to evaluate the results of some therapeutic interventions in these patients. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of Halliwick based Hydrotherapy on the support base in children with CP. Several studies have proven the beneficial effects of hydrotherapy in the respiratory system of children, but few are studies that report the effect on the balance of children with CP.</p><p><strong>Methods:</strong> The study involved 16 children diagnosed with CP. The 10 children were following a Halliwick Concept hydrotherapy program and the 6 children classical physiotherapy program for 3 months. Their balance was assessed with the Berg, GMFM, and footprint plate. The assessment was performed at the start of the program (pre-test) and after 3 months (post-test).</p><p><strong>Results</strong>: Τhere is a statistically significant change between the 1^st and 2^nd measurement with the BERG and GMFM tools and better for the water intervention group. The change in the support base between the 1st and 2nd measurement was better in the water intervention group but not statistically significant.</p><p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> The results of the study showed that hydrotherapy according to Halliwick has positive effects on gross mobility and the balance of children with CP. It also appears to have a positive effect on changing the support base compared to classical physiotherapy.</p>

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<p>The last few years, the main purpose of the treatment of the hemiplegic patient, is to regain his ability to execute functional activities of daily living independently. According to the latest studies, the effectiveness as well as the importance of task-oriented approach (TOA), is apparent and determining to reacquire the patient’s lost independency, through the practice of the specified functional activities. The aim of this study is to investigate a program of TOA on gait of hemiplegic patients. A sample of 5 post stroke patients was selected from according to the inclusion criteria. A TOA intervention was executed through the practice of 10 functional activities, related to gait, from Monday to Friday for 4 weeks. At the end of each week, gait and balance assessments were performed through the 10-meter walk test (10 MWT), the Berg balance scale (BBS), and the timed up and go test (TUG). The analysis indicates that TOA is extremely effective for stroke patients with mediocre and minor gait and balance deficits, as the difference was statistically significant (p&lt;0.05). The statistically significant difference was from the first assessment T1 to the final assessment T5 and was proven through BBS, TUG and 10 MWT. In conclusion, TOA is a quite beneficial and a cost-effective intervention for the rehabilitation of gait and balance for stroke patients, while consequently improving the quality of their everyday life, independently from their original functional status.</p>

Childhood obesity is a global problem, with its prevalence in the developed world increasing fourfold in recent decades. Obesity in children is defined by the Body Mass Index and is responsible for many physical and psychological problems, as well as for reduced perceived quality of life. In recent years, it has become increasingly worrying that diseases affecting adult populations, such as diseases of the cardiorespiratory system, also affect children, as well as the health of adults who have been obese children. The involvement of physiotherapists in the treatment of obesity in children and adolescents can lead to a more understandable assessment and improved care and treatment of obesity.