Aquatic Exercise as a Complementary Intervention for Cognitive, Behavioral, Motor, and Functional Outcomes in...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Sports Science
• Developmental Pediatrics

Background:

• Neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD, ASD, and DS cause significant impairments affecting daily life.
• Aquatic exercise offers unique physical and sensory properties as a potential complementary intervention.
• Evidence is needed to evaluate aquatic exercise's efficacy for these conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review existing research on aquatic exercise for individuals with ADHD, ASD, and DS.
• To assess the impact of aquatic exercise on cognitive, behavioral, motor, and functional outcomes.
• To synthesize findings on intervention protocols and observed benefits.

Main Methods:

• A narrative review of studies from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (Nov 2025-Feb 2026).
• Inclusion of experimental, quasi-experimental, and case study designs.
• Analysis of 22 studies involving individuals with ADHD, ASD, or DS.

Main Results:

• For ADHD: improvements in attention, cognitive flexibility, behavior, and fitness.
• For ASD: enhanced balance, coordination, social skills, communication, and behavior, especially with Halliwick method.
• For DS: gains in aerobic capacity, strength, balance, fitness, and motor autonomy.

Conclusions:

• Aquatic exercise is a promising complementary intervention for ADHD, ASD, and DS.
• Benefits span cognitive, behavioral, motor, and functional domains.
• Despite limitations, it's a valuable addition to interdisciplinary and adapted physical activity programs.