Effects of Aquatic Exercise on Upper Extremity Function and Postural Control During Reaching in Children With Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

mes have been well documented in children with cerebral palsy (CP) in recent years. However, few research specifically addressed how balance is affected by aquatic exercise. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of aquatic exercise on balance in children with CP. A case study approach with multiple data points was employed for this study. Three children with spastic CP (age seven to 14, GMFCS level I and II) participated in a 40-minute aquatic exercise three times a week for seven weeks. Each session included warm-up, static and dynamic balance training, mobility exercise, and cool-down. Balance outcomes were measured four times including pre, midcheck, post, and seven-week follow-up intervention. Biomechanical balance tests were administered on a computerized posturographic equipment (Smart Balance Master, Neurocom International, Clackamas, OR, 2010), which utilized dynamic dual forceplates with rotation capabilities and a movable visual surrounding. Comprehensive balance assessments were performed using various test protocols in the equipment, which were