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Aquatic physical therapy for children with developmental coordination disorder: a pilot randomized controlled trial
Susan Hillier1, Auburn McIntyre, Leanne Plummer
1Centre for Allied Health Evidence, School of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia. susan.hillier@unisa.edu.au
Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics
|April 7, 2010
Summary
Aquatic therapy shows promise for improving motor skills in children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). This pilot study found the intervention feasible, with preliminary evidence suggesting effectiveness, though implementation barriers exist.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric physical therapy
- Neurology
- Child development
Background:
- Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) affects motor skills in children.
- Aquatic therapy is a potential intervention but lacks formal investigation for DCD.
- Pilot studies are crucial for evaluating novel therapeutic approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of an aquatic therapy program for children with DCD.
- To determine the preliminary effectiveness of aquatic therapy on motor skills in children with DCD.
- To identify facilitators and barriers for implementing aquatic therapy in this population.
Main Methods:
- Pilot randomized controlled trial with 13 children diagnosed with DCD.
- Intervention group received 6 weekly 30-minute aquatic therapy sessions over 6-8 weeks.
- Control group was on a wait-list; motor skills assessed using Movement Assessment Battery and Pictorial Scale of Perceived Competence.
Main Results:
- Aquatic therapy intervention and measures were feasible, despite noted accessibility barriers.
- Children receiving aquatic therapy showed higher posttest scores on the Movement Assessment Battery (p = .057).
- Trends for improvement were observed in perceived physical competence (p = .058); both groups improved participation.
Conclusions:
- Aquatic therapy is a feasible intervention for children with DCD.
- Preliminary results suggest potential effectiveness in improving motor skills and perceived competence.
- Addressing implementation barriers is key for wider adoption of aquatic therapy for DCD.
