The Efficacy of Aquatic Therapy on Individuals with Neurological Disorders Through the Perceptions of Physical Therapists
Start Date
April 2024
Location
2nd floor - Library
Abstract
Aquatic therapy poses as a significant physical therapy modality particularly for individuals who suffer from neurological disorders. This study examines the impact of aquatic therapy on patients with conditions such as ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), MS (multiple sclerosis), Parkinsons’ disease, and strokes. Using survey results from the perceptions of physical therapists from across the world, those who have direct experience and those who want to learn more about it, their feedback draws conclusions about the benefits and concerns that come to light when it comes to caring for these individuals. The results indicate that aquatic therapy is generally effective and fun, improves mobility, and increases muscle strength. Physical therapists contributed their knowledge to some barriers that can affect this kind of therapy such as accessibility of a pool, cost, time constraints, caregiver support, and lack of knowledgeable providers. Some next steps to make this therapy more available for these individuals are ensuring that these pools are accessible by installing ramps, lifts, and accessible changing rooms/bathrooms, specialized training for healthcare professionals that provide this care, conducting research to further evaluate the effectiveness of pool therapy for these individuals, and technology integration such as virtual reality or underwater cameras to monitor and track progress. This research supports the idea that aquatic therapy is a promising rehabilitative approach for individuals with neurological disorders. These findings and next steps can address the complexity of patients with neurological disorders and the goal for optimal functional independence.
The Efficacy of Aquatic Therapy on Individuals with Neurological Disorders Through the Perceptions of Physical Therapists
2nd floor - Library
Aquatic therapy poses as a significant physical therapy modality particularly for individuals who suffer from neurological disorders. This study examines the impact of aquatic therapy on patients with conditions such as ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), MS (multiple sclerosis), Parkinsons’ disease, and strokes. Using survey results from the perceptions of physical therapists from across the world, those who have direct experience and those who want to learn more about it, their feedback draws conclusions about the benefits and concerns that come to light when it comes to caring for these individuals. The results indicate that aquatic therapy is generally effective and fun, improves mobility, and increases muscle strength. Physical therapists contributed their knowledge to some barriers that can affect this kind of therapy such as accessibility of a pool, cost, time constraints, caregiver support, and lack of knowledgeable providers. Some next steps to make this therapy more available for these individuals are ensuring that these pools are accessible by installing ramps, lifts, and accessible changing rooms/bathrooms, specialized training for healthcare professionals that provide this care, conducting research to further evaluate the effectiveness of pool therapy for these individuals, and technology integration such as virtual reality or underwater cameras to monitor and track progress. This research supports the idea that aquatic therapy is a promising rehabilitative approach for individuals with neurological disorders. These findings and next steps can address the complexity of patients with neurological disorders and the goal for optimal functional independence.
