Aquatic Therapy for Individuals with Cerebral Palsy Across the Lifespan

Abstract

Movement interventions for individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) were traditionally landbased, where the effects of gravity on joint integrity, pain, and movement can compromise the intended goals of treatment. Gravity causes individuals exercising on land to experience greater joint loading and weightbearing requirements compared to exercising in the water. The unique properties of water make the aquatic environment ideal for individuals whose mobility impairments make land-based interventions challenging. The warm water temperatures often utilized for aquatic rehabilitation can also decrease pain, ease soft tissue contractures, reduce spasticity, and relieve fatigue. In the past few decades, evidence supporting aquatic therapy for individuals with cerebral palsy and other neuromotor disorders has grown, and aquatic exercise has emerged as a potential lifelong fitness activity that may help prevent secondary conditions associated with the aging process. Maintaining consistent physical activity is especially important into adulthood when consistent therapeutic intervention is less attainable. The purpose of this chapter is to provide rationale for engaging in aquatic therapy and aquatic exercise as an adjunct to or a substitute for land-based therapy. The unique properties of water and several aquatic therapy techniques are described. Two case studies are presented to enhance understanding of the concepts.