The Relationship between Aquatic Independence and Gross Motor Function in Children with Neuro-Motor Impairments

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between motor performance in the aquatic setting as measured by the Aquatic Independence Measure (AIM) to motor performance on land as measured by the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) and the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI). Fourty- nine children with neuro-motor impairments ages 3 to 7 participated in the study. Pearson correlations were applied to determine the relationships between the AIM and the GMFM, PEDI, and Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). Significant correlations were found between the total AIM and GMFM scores (r = 69, p < .01) and PEDI self-care sub-scale (r = .79, p < .01) as well as the PEDI mobility sub-scale scores (r = .35, p < .05). The water adjustment sub-scale as measured by the AIM showed the strongest relationship to motor performance on land as measured by the GMFM and PEDI in our sample of 49 children.

The Effect of Aquatic Intervention on the Gross Motor Function and Aquatic Skills in Children with Cerebral Palsy

“…These results match the results of a similar study and treatment (Declerck, 2010), as well as the results of the study of Getz (2006), where improvement was evident in an aquatic skills assessment, the Aquatic Independence Measure (AIM) test, after a longer treatment (32 sessions for 16 weeks). In addition, these results are in agreement with the findings of Mackinnon (1997) and Hutzler et al (1998a, 1998b).…”

“…These results indicate that a good motor basis in water was established for these children, which could have positive influence on motor function, other functional abilities and the quality of life (Anttila et al, 2008; Declerck, 2010; Getz, 2006; Fragala-Pinkham et al, 2008; Kelly and Darrah, 2005; Hutzler et al, 1998a; Hutzler et al, 1998b; Ballaz et al, 2010; Dorval et al, 1996; Chrysagis et al, 2009). As water orientation is a skill, it will not be forgotten after only a short time period, but motor function will vary by the time and effort put into the underlying skills training.…”

“…Aquatic intervention is one of the most popular supplementary treatments for children with neuro-motor impairments, particularly children with CP (Getz, 2006). The intervention may provide safe and beneficial alternative low-impact exercise for children with disabilities (Fragala-Pinkham et al, 2008), but there is a lack of evidence-based studies documenting the effects (Declerck, 2010).…”

Quais os efeitos da natação para crianças e adolescentes? Revisão sistemática de literatura

“…Por ser ensinada desde a primeira infância e por não haver uma faixa etária máxima para praticar, os benefícios da natação podem perdurar ao longo da vida. Em populações especiais, a natação também contribui positivamente [4][5][6] . Neste sentido, em pacientes com comprometimento motor, a natação promove independência, resultando em uma melhor qualidade de vida 4,6 .…”

“…Em populações especiais, a natação também contribui positivamente [4][5][6] . Neste sentido, em pacientes com comprometimento motor, a natação promove independência, resultando em uma melhor qualidade de vida 4,6 . Em crianças asmáticas, a natação é considerada a prática de atividade física mais recomendada, visto seus benefícios físicos, fisiológicos e psicológicos 5 .…”