第十屆 General Effects of Aquatic Exercise Program for Children with Developmental Dela

Jen-Yu Chen

Department of Exercise Science, Taipei Physical Education College
 Background and Purpose：

Children with developmental delay are hard to participate in activity course, because of their physical limitation. Aquatic exercise program（AEP） was applied in rehabilitation hospital for many years, and also effective in early intervention of special education. Physical therapy was an important role in Individualized Education Program of trans-disciplinary mode. This study aimed in institutional activity course to investigate the improvement after AEP.


 Methods：

Assessment, records and family questionnaire were used in this study through action research method. This case was well evaluated to realize the general condition before treatment. After every AEP, reassessment was recorded. Finally we gave a family questionnaire sheet to compare the change in the view of parents.


 Results：

The treatment period lasted for half year, and the course was 40 minutes once to twice a week. This case was a 5 y/o boy suffered from generally developmental delay for unknown cause. After 32 courses of AEP, the case was able to jump into pool independently, diving without equipment, hold breathing in water and kick forward reciprocally. The major improvement of development included reduction of mouth watering in oral function, desensitization of facial touch and increasing in performance of single leg standing and bilateral jump in gross motor function. Other changes found by parents were language expression, muscle strength, self-confidence, courage, vital capacity, vivacity and parent-child interaction.


 Conclusion：

Physical therapists make clinical decision to deal with different cases including initial evaluation, treatment plan and reassessment. Children with special needs have different characteristics and are fit for physiotherapy services. AEP operated by physiotherapists is a good way to enhance the whole physical function and is worth popularizing.

 

Key words：Aquatic Exercise Program，Developmental Delay，Physical Therapy