Making Waves in Occupation: Advancing OT Practice Through Aquatic Therapy

Authors

Maria E. LucianoFollow

Files

Description

This doctoral capstone project focused on enhancing the role of occupational therapy (OT) in aquatic therapy through education, advocacy, and clinical practice. Conducted at a YMCA pool in Richmond, KY, the project aimed to increase OT practitioner competence and confidence in delivering aquatic therapy to adults and older adults. Primary goals included developing an educational plan to support occupational performance for aquatic therapy participants, creating a website with OT-specific aquatic therapy resources, and equipping OT students with guidance on entering this nontraditional practice area. A literature review revealed a lack of OT-specific aquatic therapy resources despite evidence supporting its benefits. Most aquatic services are currently provided by PTs, and existing CEUs rarely address how aquatic therapy can be applied within OT to enhance occupational engagement. Furthermore, ACOTE's 2025 standards do not reflect OT's potential contributions to aquatic therapy. Project methods included developing educational tools for sessions, conducting a SWOT analysis, collaborating with mentors, and reviewing current literature. Key deliverables were two occupation-based studies, an education plan, nine educational resources, and a website tailored to aquatic therapy from an OT perspective. Through collaboration, content development, and advocacy, leadership was demonstrated and addressed a clear gap in OT practice. This project supports a broader vision of OT's involvement in aquatic therapy by promoting practitioner education, expanding treatment approaches, and encouraging curriculum development. Moving forward, continuing to advocate for OT's role in aquatic therapy and sharing resources to support integration into clinical and educational settings, will be even more prominent.

Graduation Date

2025

Keywords

aquatic therapy, occupational therapy, OT education, nontraditional practice, therapeutic aquatics, OT interventions, aquatic-based interventions

Disciplines

Occupational Therapy

Comments

Link to presentation: https://youtu.be/OOOOVpbilEk

Degree Type

Open Access Capstone

Document Type

Poster

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

Site Mentor

Allen Keener, PhD, OTD, OTR/L, ATP