What is the effectiveness of aquatic therapy on children with cerebral palsy to improve functional outcomes?
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Authors
Teveldal, Courtney
Dunlavey, Ana
Carlson, Erin
Issue Date
2022-04-29
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Abstract
BACKGROUND: Cerebral palsy affects approximately 18 million people worldwide. Cerebral palsy is a motor disorder caused by abnormal brain development. Individuals with cerebral palsy may experience an intellectual disability, seizures, difficulty with hearing, vision, speech and abnormal tone. These symptoms may affect the individuals ability to complete Activities of Daily Living (ADL's) or Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL's).
AIM: The purpose of this critically appraised topic was to determine the effectiveness of aquatic therapy interventions on improving functional outcomes for children with cerebral palsy.
METHODS: Level I and II evidence studies were analyzed in the critically appraised topic if they were published in 2011 or later, published in a peer-reviewed journal, included the pediatric population with a diagnosis of cerebral palsy, included aquatic therapy interventions, and assessed functional outcomes.
RESULTS: Analysis showed that aquatic therapy interventions decreased tone and spasticity, improved motor function, and improved quality of life in children with a cerebral palsy diagnosis. There was not sufficient evidence to show the impact on ADL's and IADL's. Further research is needed to determine the long term effects of aquatic therapy intervention.
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Creighton University
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Copyright is retained by the Author. A non-exclusive distribution right is granted to Creighton University