University Presentation Showcase: Undergraduate Poster Gallery
Preview
Creation Date
Spring 2016
Major
Recreation and Park Administration; 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 researchers will conduct a literature analysis to show how individuals with cerebral palsy can benefit from aquatic therapy.
