AQUATIC EXERCISES IN CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY

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The aim in the treatment of children with cerebral palsy (CP) which is associated with movement disorders in particular is to increase functionality, improve capabilities, and maintain health in terms of locomotion, cognitive development, social interaction and independence. There are various methods used in CP rehabilitation such as neurophysiological approaches (bobath, vojta, rood methods), conventional exercises, electrical stimulation, constrained induced movement therapy, occupational therapy, bracing and assistive devices. In addition, there are other treatment methods which can be applied such as hippotherapy, hydrotherapy (aquatic exercises), play therapy, acupuncture, massage, suit therapy, craniosacral therapy and feldenkrais methods. Aquatic therapy approaches are one of the popular therapy methods in the treatment of children with CP. Aquatic activities may have the potential to affect fitness, function and participation. It is thought that the rehabilitation approaches in which the child is active, induce neuroplasticity and these approaches can be applied in water. Aquatic exercises offer children numerous opportunities to improve their functional status, mobility and self-confidence, and to learn new movement patterns. Buoyancy, viscosity and hydrostatic pressure are the physical qualities of water which assists or resists to the body. As the exercise approaches which applied on the land can be adapted to the water environment, there are also some approaches specific to aquatic therapy (Halliwick Therapy, Watsu, Bad Ragaz Ring Method). Aerobic exercises, one of which is particularly swimming, are usually applied. Every child needs his/her own personel aquatic exercise program. Aquatic exercises can be effective in spasticity, motor functions, aerobic capacity, quality of life and social relations of children with CP. The aim of this article is to provide a general view to aquatic exercise applications and their effects in children with CP based on the literature.

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Cerebral Palsy , Aquatic Exercises , Hydrotherapy

Kocatepe Medical Journal

288

Kocatepe Medical Journal