The Benefits of Aquatic Therapy on Individuals with Cerebral Palsy

Presenter Hometown

El Paso, Texas

Major

Therapeutic Recreation

Department

Recreation and Park Administration

Degree

Undergraduate

Mentor

Michelle Davis Gerken

Mentor Department

Recreation and Park Administration

Abstract

Swimming is a very popular leisure activity that many engage in. Aside from being used for leisure enjoyment, swimming can be therapeutic as well. Aquatic therapy is a type of therapy that takes place in the water and is typically instructed by an aquatic therapist. This type of therapy can provide benefits to individuals with a wide range of disabilities, but the researcher will mainly focus on the benefits that aquatic therapy can have on individuals with cerebral palsy (CP). Cerebral palsy currently affects around 500,000 individuals in the United States. When an individual has CP, their ability to move is compromised. Aquatic therapy has been very beneficial to individuals suffering with this disability. This type of therapy has been shown to improve lives physically, mentally and emotionally. Due to the fact that water provides buoyancy, all weight is taken off the individual’s joints, which in turn will reduce the risk of injury. The researcher will conduct a literature analysis to show how individuals with cerebral palsy can benefit from aquatic therapy.

Presentation format

Poster

Poster Number

088

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The Benefits of Aquatic Therapy on Individuals with Cerebral Palsy

Swimming is a very popular leisure activity that many engage in. Aside from being used for leisure enjoyment, swimming can be therapeutic as well. Aquatic therapy is a type of therapy that takes place in the water and is typically instructed by an aquatic therapist. This type of therapy can provide benefits to individuals with a wide range of disabilities, but the researcher will mainly focus on the benefits that aquatic therapy can have on individuals with cerebral palsy (CP). Cerebral palsy currently affects around 500,000 individuals in the United States. When an individual has CP, their ability to move is compromised. Aquatic therapy has been very beneficial to individuals suffering with this disability. This type of therapy has been shown to improve lives physically, mentally and emotionally. Due to the fact that water provides buoyancy, all weight is taken off the individual’s joints, which in turn will reduce the risk of injury. The researcher will conduct a literature analysis to show how individuals with cerebral palsy can benefit from aquatic therapy.