Influence of Aquatic Therapy in Children and Youth with Cerebral Palsy: A Qualitative Case Study in a Special Education School

Abstract

Cerebral palsy results in the progressive loss of motor functions, with a negative impact on daily activities and participation. Despite the well described benefits of aquatic therapy in children, little is known about the effects of the same in school settings. This study aimed to describe the experience of children and youth with cerebral palsy participating in an aquatic therapy program within a special education school considering their educational and therapeutic perspectives. A qualitative descriptive case study with embedded units was developed, comprising 27 participants. This study employed purposeful sampling to include children and youth with cerebral palsy from the Asociación Ayuda a la Paralisis Cerebral (APACE) special education school, together with their parents, the special education teachers, and health care professionals. Data were collected via non-participant observation, semi-structured and informal interviews, focus groups, and researcher field notes. A thematic analysis was conducted, revealing the following themes: (a) the connection with the environment; (b) postural improvements and mobility; (c) the opportunity to perform tasks; (d) learning and transfer. A motivating environment leads to physical, cognitive and social benefits, both at school and in the home. Aquatic therapy was viewed as a means for learning and participation. These findings may enhance understanding regarding the potential benefits of implementing multidisciplinary aquatic therapy programs in specialist school settings.

The effect of hydrotherapy on the functioning and quality of life of children and young adults with cerebral palsy

“…There was also an improvement in the cardiorespiratory system in endurance, balance, fluidity of movement and range of motion [9] . Management of spasticity showed improvement, but to a lesser extent, as did muscle strength [6][7][8][9][10][11] . The improvement of the psychological condition of these children as well as their social skills, with special emphasis on their willingness to participate in activities, in family, therapeutic and school context was also noted [11] .…”

“…Management of spasticity showed improvement, but to a lesser extent, as did muscle strength [6][7][8][9][10][11] . The improvement of the psychological condition of these children as well as their social skills, with special emphasis on their willingness to participate in activities, in family, therapeutic and school context was also noted [11] . Some of the studies implemented a follow-up, during which it seemed that the results were maintained, to some extent, even after the therapeutic intervention [15] .…”

“…Finally, the participants mentioned that the intervention was fun and that they would like to continue this program mainly because it provided opportunities for socialization. Moreover, Muñoz-Blanco et al [11] conducted a qualitative study in order to describe the experiences of children and young people with CP from their participation in a hydrotherapy program in a special education school, while examining their therapeutic and educational perspectives. The study involved 27 people, and the sample consisted of children and young people with CP (who underwent hydrotherapy for more than a year), their parents, special education teachers and health professionals.…”

Comprehensive rehabilitation of patients with movement disorders with spastic forms of cerebral palsy

“…Кроме этого, активно изучаются возможные преимущества комплексных программ с использованием акватерапии [30] и иппотерапии [31]. Авторы указывают на отсутствие единых стандартов проведения процедур, в то же время отмечают позитивное влияние на моторные функции и индивидуальную адаптацию к потребностям каждого пациента с церебральным параличом [32].…”

The Effects of Aquatic Watsu Therapy on Gross Motor Performance and Quality of Life for Children with Cerebral Palsy

“…QoL determines the physical and psychological wellbeing, self-perception, and pain levels. It can be improved with therapeutic and motor control interventions (Muñoz-Blanco et al, 2020).…”