C A S E R E P O R T S

An Aquatic Physical Therapy Program

at a Pediatric Rehabilitation Hospital:
A Case Series
Maria A. Fragala-Pinkham, PT, MS, Helene M. Dumas, PT, MS, Carrie A. Barlow, PT, PCS, and Amy Pasternak, PT, MS
Research Center for Children with Special Health Care Needs (M.A.F-P., H.M.D.), Franciscan Hospital for Children,
Boston, Massachusetts; and Physical Therapy Department (C.A.B, A.P.) Franciscan Hospital for Children, Boston,
Massachusetts
Purpose: The purpose of this case series is to describe the implementation of an aquatic physical therapy (PT)
program at a pediatric hospital and to document improvements in participants abilities after PT intervention.
Methods: Four patients with cerebral palsy, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, or Prader-Willi syndrome partici-
pated in aquatic and land-based PT intervention. Three of the patients had orthopedic conditions which
required limited weight-bearing or low-joint impact during motor activities. A wide range of outcomes were
used to assess changes in participation, activity, and body function. When available, minimal detectable
change and minimal important difference values were used to interpret data. Results: Clinically significant
improvements were documented in functional mobility, walking endurance, range of motion, muscle
strength, and/or pain reduction for all 4 patients. Conclusions: Aquatic PT used as an adjunct to land-based PT
interventions may be effective in improving outcomes in patients with physical disabilities. (Pediatr Phys Ther
2009;21:6878) Key words: adolescence, aquatic therapy, arthritis/juvenile, case report, cerebral palsy, child,
outcome measurement, physical therapy/methods, Prader-Willi Syndrome, weight-bearing
INTRODUCTION
Therapeutic exercise and functional activity training
on land are common physical therapy (PT) interventions
for children with disabilities. More recently, exercise and
activity training in the water (ie aquatic PT) are gaining
popularity. The properties of the water (buoyancy, resis-
tance, and hydrostatic pressure) can assist the therapist
when working on strengthening, balance training, and
functional skills training while at the same time providing
a fun, motivating, and safe environment.
1
Although aquatic
PT intervention has many appealing qualities, information
on implementation and effectiveness of aquatic PT for chil-
dren is limited.
We know of 3 single case reports describing aquatic
PT intervention for children and youth with Waarden-
burgs syndrome,
2
spinal muscular atrophy type I,
3
and
Rett Syndrome.
4
Improvements in endurance, ease of am-
bulation and walking speed,
2
muscle strength,
3
and walk-
ing balance and behavioral responses
4
were reported. Fre-
quency of intervention was twice per week and the
duration ranged from 8 to 16 weeks for 2 cases and in the
third case, frequency and duration were not specified. In all
3 of these case reports, limited information was provided
about the outcome measures that were used. More re-
cently, a case series with more rigor revealed that 7 chil-
dren with cerebral palsy (CP) made improvements on the
Gross Motor Function Measure and the Timed Up and Go
Test after a 3 times per week aquatic exercise program
lasting 10 weeks.
5
During the individualized aquatic ses-
sions, all children performed the same exercises and activ-
ities but the number of repetitions, speed, and resistance
were progressed by the physical therapist based on each
childs individual performance.
In addition to case reports, a few group aquatic exer-
cise programs have been reported and can be used to in-
form PT practice. A combined aquatic and land-based ex-
ercise program was effective in improving respiratory vital
0898-5669/109/2101-0068
Pediatric Physical Therapy
Copyright 2009 Section on Pediatrics of the American Physical
Therapy Association.
Address correspondence to: Maria A. Fragala-Pinkham, PT, MS, Re-
search Center, Franciscan Hospital for Children, 30 Warren Street, Bos-
ton, MA 02135. E-mail: [email protected]
Supported by The John W. Alden Trust, The Perkin Fund, and The Milli-
pore Foundation.
DOI: 10.1097/PEP.0b013e318196eb37
68 Fragala-Pinkham et al Pediatric Physical Therapy
capacity and swimming abilities in 5-year-old to 7-year-old
children with CP; however, changes in functional mobility
were not measured.
6
In another study which evaluated the
effects of a combined aquatic and land-based program, im-
provements in muscle strength and functional mobility
were reported for children and adults with spinal muscular
atrophy type II and III.
7
Information about the interven-
tion, outcome measures, and analyses however, was lim-
ited, making the results difficult to interpret. More re-
cently, a case-controlled study evaluated the effects of a
collaborative physical and occupational therapy aquatic
program for infants and young children in early interven-
tion. Significant improvements in gross motor skills on the
Mullen Scales of Early Learning were observed in the in-
tervention group as compared to the control group follow-
ing 24 weeks of once per week aquatic therapy.
8
Although the potential for effectiveness of aquatic in-
tervention appears strong, studies using aquatic PT inter-
vention for children remain limited in number and study
design. Further evidence is needed to assist therapists in
designing a plan of care that includes aquatic PT and de-
termining the appropriate intervention dosage (frequency,
duration, and exercise intensity). With our aquatic therapy
program in its infancy, we did not have enough informa-
tion or funding to design a randomized control trial but
decided to first document current practice and critically
evaluate this information. The purpose of this report is to
provide information about the development of an aquatic
PT program in a pediatric hospital. Information about the
use of aquatic PT as a procedural intervention and the use
of standardized tests and measures to evaluate outcomes is
presented using a series of case descriptions.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Franciscan Hospital for Children (FHC) is a pediatric
hospital and rehabilitation center and physical therapists
provide examination and intervention services to children
in all of the hospital programs including inpatient, outpa-
tient, residential, and educational. Aquatic PT services at
FHC began in May 2005. In preparation for the implemen-
tation of PT services in the aquatic environment, members
of the PT department conducted a review of the literature
describing aquatic therapy for children.
9
Next, a pool pol-
icy and procedure manual was developed based on the pool
manufacturers guidelines, existing hospital policies and
procedures, consultation from colleagues at facilities with
aquatic programs and professional resource books. The
therapists participated in training that included water
safety, risk management and emergency procedures, infec-
tion control and hydrodynamic principles, and therapeu-
tic techniques for use in the water. New staff members
receive a comprehensive orientation and then they must
demonstrate competency in specific safety and clinical
procedures.
The therapeutic pool at FHC provides an 8 foot by 12
foot treatment area. It features an adjustable floor (variable
depths); an underwater treadmill; resistive jets with differ-
ent levels of intensity; a hand-held massage hose; remov-
able parallel bars; underwater cameras and viewing moni-
tor; and a computer documentation program.
CASE DESCRIPTIONS
The majority of children (73%) who use the pool are
outpatients so we highlighted 3 outpatient cases and 1 in-
patient case. Refer to Table 1 for demographic information.
Examination
A full examination was completed for each of the par-
ticipants and consisted of a parent/child interviewto gather
information about the familys goals and expectations;
chart reviewto gather pertinent medical information; and a
systems review. Several tests and measures covering a
range of the World Health Organization International
Classification of Function levels were administered to doc-
ument abilities and progress toward goals. For reexamina-
tion purposes, several tests and measures were also admin-
istered intermittently during the episode of care to record
progress toward goals. For this article, we are highlighting
the primary preintervention and postintervention outcome
measures described in Table 2.
Evaluation
On the basis of the data gathered during the examina-
tion process, each physical therapist made clinical judg-
ments determining the childs classification using the PT
guide to practice,
10
prognosis, and types of intervention
needed. As part of the evaluation, the physical therapist
determined that aquatic PT was an appropriate interven-
tion in conjunction with other procedural interventions.
Case 1. For this child, the musculoskeletal pattern 4D
[impaired joint mobility, motor function, muscle perfor-
mance, and range of motion (ROM) associated with con-
nective tissue dysfunction] was chosen. The prognosis for
this child was that she had the potential to regain pain-free
ambulation with a symmetrical pattern and resume age-
appropriate gross motor development. The long-term
goals, as set by the parents and the physical therapist in-
cluded: (1) Pain-free left knee for all activities, (2) Improve
left knee ROM to within normal limits, (3) Improve left
quadriceps strength so the child will walk with a symmet-
rical, age-appropriate pattern, and go up stairs leading with
the left lower extremity (LE) and down leading with the
right, and (4) advance gross motor skills, such as jumping
in place with symmetrical push-off and landing and riding
a tricycle. The plan of care was PT for 45 to 60 minutes, 2
times per week, once aquatic-based outpatient, and once
land-based through an early intervention program for a
total of 6 months. Procedural interventions of left knee
stretching, LE strengthening, gait training, and gross mo-
tor skills training were used. Parent instruction in a home
program focused on stretching, strengthening, and facili-
tation of gross motor skills. The clinical decision for in-
cluding water-based activities in this plan of care was that
water provided a low-impact environment for joint protec-
tion. Hydrostatic pressure of the water environment had
the potential to limit knee edema. This child was more
Pediatric Physical Therapy Aquatic Physical Therapy Program 69
motivated for her PT sessions in the water and more coop-
erative during pool activities. Land-based PT in the home
setting focused on parent instruction for a home program
and functional mobility in the home environment.
Case 2. The second child was classified in neuromus-
cular pattern 5C (impaired motor function and sensory
integrity associated with nonprogressive disorders of the
central nervous systemcongenital origin or acquired in
infancy or childhood). The prognosis for this child was that
he had potential to improve his gross motor abilities so that
he could participate in play with other children and be
independent and safe ambulating at home and in the com-
munity. The specific anticipated goals for this child in-
cluded: (1) ambulate up and down 2 flights of stairs while
carrying something in his arms, (2) get off the floor quickly
and without using his hands, (3) improve walking endur-
ance so that he will walk further in 3 minutes with im-
proved efficiency, (4) increase bilateral passive ankle dor-
siflexion and popliteal angle ROM by 10 or more, (5)
improve gait pattern so that child will not trip over toes and
will have a longer step length bilaterally, (6) improve
standing balance so that child is able to reach further with-
out losing his balance, and (7) improve bilateral leg
strength for child to be able to jump over a small obstacle,
kick a ball, and walk further with improved efficiency and
fewer gait deviations. The plan of care was for a short in-
tense program of PT 2 times per week for 5 to 6 weeks to
achieve these specific mobility goals. Procedural interven-
tions included gait training, endurance training, gross mo-
tor skills activities, balance training, strengthening, calf
and hamstring stretching, and home exercise program in-
struction. The clinical decision for including water-based
activities in this childs plan of care was because water
provided a low-impact environment while at the same time
being a highly motivating environment for this child. In
addition, the buoyancy of the water was helpful for work-
ing on calf muscle strengthening in standing.
Case 3. For case 3, the PT classification was deter-
mined to be 4I (impaired joint mobility, motor function,
muscle performance, and ROM associated with bony or
soft tissue surgery) because of the childs recent orthopedic
surgery and resultant muscle weakness, ROM limitations,
and limited ambulation abilities. The following long-term
anticipated goals were determined by the child, parents,
and therapist and included: (1) independent ambulation
with increased speed to keep up with other children his
age, (2) independent ambulation up and down stairs with-
out a handrail and alternating steps, (3) able to run faster
to play informal sports with other children, (4) able to walk
without limping (fewer gait deviations), (5) improve
trunk and LE strength to allowfor attainment of functional
goals and improve right hip and knee strength to 4/5 and
ankle strength to 2/5, and (6) improve ankle dorsiflexion
ROM to 20 and ankle eversion ROM to 15. The PT prog-
nosis was that this child could achieve the anticipated long-
termgoals with a plan of care which included gait training,
TABLE 1
Demographic Characteristics of Cases
Case 1Outpatient Case 2Outpatient Case 3Outpatient Case 4Inpatient
Gender Female Male Male Female
Age 2 yr 7 yr, 10 mo 10 yr, 11 mo 19 yr
Diagnosis Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
left knee pain with reduced
range of motion and
strength
Cerebral palsyspastic
diplegia
Cerebral palsyright hemiplegia;
s/p right split anterior and
posterior tibial tendon
transfers, posteromedial
release of the subtalar and
talo-navicular joint capsules
and gastrocsoleus lengthening
Prader-Willi syndrome, s/p spinal
fusion L1-sacrum; history of
multiple spinal surgeries and
complications; obesity
Functional abilities Independent ambulator with
antalgic gait pattern. Age
appropriate gross motor
skills on the early
intervention developmental
profile (at 28 mo
chronological age, gross
motor skills scored at 30
mo) but decreased quality
and endurance due to knee
pain
GMFCS level I
Independent
ambulator; posterior
leaf ankle foot
orthosis on left and
UCB insert on the
right
Before surgery GMFCS level I.
On initial examination used
wheelchair for mobility and
walked distances of 4 to 5 ft
with assistance; weight bearing
as tolerated with bivalved
short leg cast
Before surgery, walked with a
rolling walker community
distances, limited by pain and
muscle weakness. On
admission to inpatient
rehabilitation, dependent for
all mobility and non-weight
bearing. Two months after
admission progressed to partial
weight bearing upright
activities in the pool. Six weeks
later cleared for ambulation on
land
Reason for referral
to PT
Referred by early intervention
physical therapist for
promotion of gross motor
skills and knee ROM while
avoiding knee pain and
joint injury
Referred by physiatrist
because of increased
falling and heel cord
tightness
Referred by orthopedist 4 wks
after foot surgery for
strengthening and gait training
while minimizing joint forces
Referred by orthopedist for gait
training and strengthening
while minimizing weight
bearing forces to spine
s/p indicates status post; GMFCS, Gross Motor Function Classification System; UCB, University of California Berkeley.
70 Fragala-Pinkham et al Pediatric Physical Therapy
TABLE 2
Tests and Measures and Psychometric Properties
Test or Measure
Psychometric Properties (SD Standard Deviation of
Baseline Reliability Data) MDC
90
Values
MID
(points)
Canadian Occupational Performance
Measure (COPM)
Responsive to change
19
Moderate test-retest reliability- performance (ICC
0.79; SD 1.67); satisfaction (ICC 0.75; SD
1.81)
20
Performance 1.8 points
Satisfaction 2.1 points
2
20
Gross Motor Function Measure-66
(GMFM-66)
Face and construct validity established
21
Test-retest reliability is high (ICC0.99)
21
and (ICC
0.880.99)
22
Interrater reliability ranged from(ICC0.810.90)
22
SD7.7
23
1.79 points 1.58
22
Pediatric Evaluation of Disability
Inventory (PEDI) mobility
functional skills (FS) and
caregiver assistance (CA)
Concurrent validity with Peabody Developmental
Motor Scales (r 0.640.95)
24
Intrarater reliability for FS Mobility (ICC 0.98) and
for CA Mobility (ICC 0.98)
24
Interrater reliability FS Mobility (ICC 0.92) and
CA Mobility (ICC 0.90)
24
FS Mobility SD 17.9
23
FS Mobility 5.9 points
CA Mobility
NA
8.7
25
11.2
25
3-min walk and Energy Expenditure
Index (EEI)
EEI has been validated for children with CP
26
High test-retest reliability values (ICC 0.94)
27
Test-retest reliability for distance walked (ICC
0.85; SD 40.31)
23
Test-retest reliability for EEI (ICC 0.96; SD
0.33)
23
Distance 36.2 m
EEI 0.15 beats/m
NA
Observational Gait Scale (OGS) Acceptable reliability for components: knee and foot
position in mid-stance, initial foot contact and heel
rise interrater reliability (weighted kappas 0.43
0.86) and intrarater reliability (weighted kappas
0.530.91)
28
NA NA
Functional Reach Test (FRT) Intrarater reliability is high within a single session for
children with LE spasticity (ICC 0.940.98)
29
Intrarater reliability between sessions (ICC 0.87;
SEM: 3.05)
29
2.6 cm NA
Timed single limb stance Test-retest reliability data is high for one-leg standing
in children with cerebral palsy (ICC 0.99)
30
NA NA
Floor to Stand (FTS) Intrarater reliability for the FTS is high (ICC 0.89;
SD 15.2 seconds) (S. Haley, M. Fragala-
Pinkham, and H. Dumas, unpublished data,
2005)
31
11.7 sec NA
Manual muscle testing (MMT) Limited reliability information; Modified Medical
Research Council Scale, interrater reliability ranged
from 0.67 to 0.93 for children 515 years with
Duchennes muscular dystrophy
32
N/A N/A
Isometric muscle strength:
hand-held dynamometer (HHD)
High test-retest reliability for LE HHD for children
with CP (ICC 0.900.99)
33
Test-retest reliability for knee extensors (KE) ICC
0.95; SD 3.3
23
Test-retest reliability for ankle plantarflexors (AP)
ICC 0.97; SD 6.2
23
KE 1.71 kg
AP 2.48 kg
NA
Passive range of motion (ROM) Moderate to high intrarater reliability for children
with spastic diplegia
Dorsiflexion (DF) ICC 0.630.69; SD 5.6
34
Popliteal angle (PA) ICC 0.57.76; SD 6.2
34
Knee extension (KE) ICC 0.890.92; SD 2.4
34
DF 8.2
PA 9.4
KE 4.5
NA
Face, Legs, Activity, Cry and
Consolability (FLACC)
Valid and responsive measure of pain in young
children and also for older children with cognitive
impairment
35,36
Interrater reliability Kappa 0.52 (face);0.82 (cry)
35
High test-retest reliability (r 0.800.883; SD
2.8)
36,37
2.252.9 points NA
Numerical Pain Scale Valid measure of pain in adolescents and adults
38,39
Moderate test-retest reliability (r 0.64; SEM
1.3)
39
3 points NA
Juvenile Arthritis Quality of Life
Questionnaire (JAQQ)
Face and content validity confirmed
40
Responsiveness established for 218-yrs-old children
with JIA
40,41
NA NA
Pediatric Physical Therapy Aquatic Physical Therapy Program 71
gross motor skill training, LE strengthening, electrical
stimulation to right ankle dorsiflexors and evertors,
stretching and soft tissue mobilization for right ankle, and
instruction and routine update of the home exercise pro-
gram. The estimated length of PT services was 2 times per
week for 1 to 2 months and 1 time per week for 3 to 4
months for a total of 4 to 6 months. The clinical decision
was made to include a combination of water and land-
based interventions. Land-based therapy was needed to fo-
cus on active ankle movements using electrical stimulation
and to work on progressive ambulation on level surfaces
and stairs eventually without the short leg cast. Water-
based intervention was chosen because of the buoyancy
and limited weight-bearing forces so that this patient could
work on gait training using a more symmetrical pattern
with emphasis on increased right LE stance time even with
weight-bearing restrictions. This patients course of inter-
vention was complicated by a fall at home resulting in a
right femoral neck fracture and surgical pinning 2 months
after foot surgery and 1 month after he started receiving
outpatient PT services. One week after the surgical pinning
of the right hip, this patient resumed outpatient PTand was
seen for a reevaluation. At that time it was determined that
an additional 2 to 3 months of PT services was needed to
attain long-term goals. The clinical decision was made to
continue with a combination of water and land-based in-
terventions. Land-based therapy was needed to focus on
active ankle movements using electrical stimulation and to
work on ambulation on level surfaces and stairs with a
device and eventually progressing to full weight-bearing
gait training on land without a device. Water-based inter-
vention was used so that this patient could continue to
work on gait training without a device in the water using a
symmetrical walking pattern. Ambulation in chest height
water was allowed 2 weeks after the hip surgery when the
incision site was sufficiently healed. In addition, this child
had a pool in his backyard, enjoyed swimming activities,
and requested aquatic PT services and the physical thera-
pist felt that this would assist with motivating this child to
perform optimally in therapy sessions.
Case 4. For this adolescent, the PT classification was
determined to be 4I (impaired joint mobility, motor func-
tion, muscle performance, and ROM associated with bony
or soft tissue surgery) because of recent spinal surgery and
resultant muscle weakness and limited mobility. This ado-
lescents mobility prognosis was considered to be good. Pos-
itive prognostic indicators included premorbid-independent
ambulation status, limited neurological symptoms post-
surgery, and ROM status before and immediately after sur-
gery. Factors that limited her progress and lengthened her
PT episode of care included obesity, history of previous
spinal fractures with slowed bone healing, and cognitive/
behavioral impairments related to the primary diagnosis of
Prader-Willi syndrome. During the initial 4 weeks of treat-
ment, the patient had nonweight-bearing precautions for
her trunk and was restricted from sitting and standing ac-
tivities. A plan of care was established with treatment in-
terventions including bed mobility training, upper extrem-
ity strengthening using free weights, trunk and LE
strengthening using active exercises, and endurance train-
ing. All of these interventions were initially carried out in
supine because of orthopedic restrictions. Frequency was
set at 4 to 5 times per week for 30 to 45 minutes per session
during this period. Once the adolescent was cleared to par-
ticipate in upright standing activities in water, aquatic ther-
apy was initiated. Frequency was increased to 1 to 2 times
per day for 5 to 6 days per week for 30 to 45 minutes per
session because the patient was making daily progress and
appeared to be benefiting from intensive therapy. Treat-
ment activities included sit-stand transfers, as well as active
ROM exercises of all 4 extremities while in a standing po-
sition in the water. Treatment interventions in the water
were chosen based on the mechanics of the spine, with the
general goal of unloading the spine while strengthening all
musculature. Interventions in the pool were eventually
progressed to ambulation on a stable surface, then to am-
bulation on an unstable surface (pool treadmill). As her
weight-bearing status progressed, water depth was gradu-
ally decreased, subsequently increasing the load on the
patients spine. As bone healing occurred and strength and
endurance improved, standing and walking activities on
land were added to her program. Initial short-term goals
included achieving independence with bed mobility and
repositioning, as well as independence with transfers in/
out of bed to a wheelchair. Long-term goals included
achieving independence with standing and ambulation
household distances.
Intervention
Episodes of care ranged from 6 weeks to 8 months.
Frequency and procedural interventions are provided in
Table 3.
Outcomes
To determine clinically significant changes in out-
comes, we report minimal detectable change (MDC) and
minimal important difference (MID) values when informa-
tion is available. We calculated MDC for all of the tests and
measures for which we could find relevant test-retest infor-
mation and baseline standard deviation data. MDC is de-
fined as the magnitude of change over and above measure-
ment error of 2 repeated measures at a specified confidence
interval.
11
For this report, we have chosen a confidence
interval of 90% which is acceptable for clinical data from
individual patients.
12
MID is another way to determine the
amount of change needed on a specific measure to demon-
strate a clinically significant change in function as defined
by the patient, family, and/or therapist.
11
Table 2 contains
MDCand MIDvalues. The outcome data for cases 1 to 4 are
in Tables 47 and summarized below.
Case 1. Clinically significant improvements in Juve-
nile arthritis quality of life questionnaire scores and left
knee ROM were documented for this patient at the end of
the 6-month intervention period. Increased left knee ex-
tension passive ROM allowed for greater knee extension
and increased weight-bearing on the left LE during gait.
72 Fragala-Pinkham et al Pediatric Physical Therapy
TABLE 3
Physical Therapy Intervention
Frequency/Duration Procedural Interventions Progressions
Case 1
Pool-1/wk for
4560 min for 6
mo
Early intervention
PT services at
home 1wk for
60 min
Pool
Squat to stand in water at hip height (50% weight bearing (WB))
Gait training on underwater treadmill, 50% WB, 0.4 mph; focus
on left knee extension during terminal swing, initial contact, mid
and terminal stance
Shuttle running
Jumping in place with emphasis on bilateral pushoff
Step ups with focus on leading with left leg
Walking into the jets at 50% WB with jet intensity of 30%
Active/passive ROM to left hamstrings; mother instructed in
home stretching program to be done in warm tub during nightly
bathing
Land-outpatient visits
Tricycle riding on level, smooth surfaces initially needed
moderate assistance (Rode tricycle from PT area to pool area
before and at the end of pool sessions.)
Pool
Squats-1repetitions, 2water depth (75% WB)
Treadmill-advanced to run at 2.02.2 mph with
symmetrical pattern
Shuttle Run-1distance before stopping and 1speed
Jumping-1repetitions, 1speed
Step-ups-1repetitions, 2water depth
Walking-1jet intensity to 50%
Land-outpatient visits
Tricycle riding on uneven surfaces, longer distance
before stopping, progressed to no assistance needed
Case 2
2/wk for 60 min
for 6 wks (Total
of 8 pool
sessions and 4
land sessions)
Pool
Kicking activities with 2 pound ankle weight using kick board
Toe raises and heel raises in chest deep water
Balance activities, water at chest height: 1) unilateral stance,
water jets at 14%, 2) jumping, 3) hopping, 4) skipping
Gait training on treadmill focusing on initial contact with a
heelstrike and knee extension during initial contact
and mid stance at 1.5 2.2 mph for 2 min increments for total of
8 min
Running/sprinting on underwater treadmill, water at hip height
Swimming above and under water against jets
Active/passive stretching for hip flexors and adductors,
hamstrings, and ankle plantarflexors at end of session
Land
Treadmill training, unilateral stance games (standing on 1 leg
while placing the other foot on a large bolster or ball), and
obstacle courses
Karate kicking activities, relay races and kicking a soccer ball
toward goal while using a
1
2-pound ankle cuff weight
Active/passive stretching for hip flexors and adductors,
hamstrings, and ankle plantarflexors at end of session
Pool
Kicking-5 pound weight by Wk 5
Toe / heel raises waist to knee deep water and 1
repetitions
Balance activities, water waist to knee deep.
Unilateral stance with jet intensity progressing to
50% in waist deep water.
Treadmill walking/running,-1speed and for longer
periods without a rest. 2.23.2 mph for 4 min
increments for up to 20 min. Side shuffles, braiding
and backward walking on treadmill.
Swimming-1jet intensity from 25%70%
Less assistance provided for stretching
Land
1time and speed on treadmill; 1balance challenges
in the obstacle course such as increased height of
objects to step over or narrower balance beam
Karate kicking with 3 pound cuff weight
Case 3
2/wk for 60 min
for 2
1
2 mo and
then 1x/wk for
60 min for 5
1
2
mo. 76% of the
PT visits were
pool sessions
Pool
Strength training-10 repetitions of bilateral leg exercises in
standing using water resistance (hip flexion; front, back and
side straight leg kicks; knee flexion with hip extended; ankle
plantarflexion and dorsiflexion; wall squats; kicking in prone)
Standing balance training using resistance from the jets
Sitting on balance board and maintaining position while
therapist tilts board
Gait training using pool floor and treadmill, water at chest
height and focusing on gait pattern-longer step length on left,
increased stance time on right, initial contact with heel
bilaterally
Cardiorespiratory endurance activities-treadmill walking,
0.81.5 mph for 12 min increments for 6 min total
Swimming with floatation device, cues to use right UE and LE
Land
Active movement and strengthening of right plantarflexor,
dorsiflexor, and evertor muscles using electrical stimulation
in sitting
Progressive resistive exercises (PREs) for lower extremities
bilaterally-10 repetition maximum resistance; 1 set of 10
repetitions
Trunk strengthening using a therapeutic ball and floor
exercises
Gait training on level surfaces and stairs using a platform
walker, uneven terrain, and stairs, balance training
Home exercise program instruction of stretching, use of short
leg night cast to maintain passive range of motion, and PREs
(hip extensors, abductors, quads, hamstrings)
Pool
Strength training-1repetitions (23 sets of 15
repetitions);1resistance (25 lb ankle weights)
Standing balance activities-added unilateral stance
activities; 1jets to 50%
Balance board activities to increase balance reaction
speed and trunk strength in sitting and kneeling
Gait training on treadmill with water waist height
with fewer verbal cues; 1treadmill speed for fast
walking and running (2.24.2 mph); 1walking speed
and time to 1522 min without rest
Step ups on 4 and 8 inch steps; 1repetitions; 2
water height
Swimming without floatation against jet resistance; fewer
cues to get right armout of water and kick right leg
Land
Electrical stimulation right plantarflexor, dorsiflexor, and
evertor muscles during gait
PREs-123 sets of 10 repetitions; 1amount of weight
Therapeutic exercises 1difficulty, repetitions, and time of
exercise without rest
Gait training on stairs and uneven surfaces; running
activities
Update home exercise program
(Continued)
Pediatric Physical Therapy Aquatic Physical Therapy Program 73
Improved left knee extensor strength and left knee ROM
appeared to positively influence her dynamic standing bal-
ance and gross motor skills. She continued to master age-
appropriate motor skills, such as climbing stairs using a
reciprocal pattern, running with a symmetrical pattern,
jumping in place, and riding a tricycle. Pain did not in-
crease during this episode of care even though activity level
did increase. Of a possible 24 weekly sessions, this child
had 6 planned absences due to family vacations and one
unexpected cancellation for an attendance record of 71%.
Case 2. During this short-term 6-week intensive PT
program, this patient made clinically significant improve-
ments in gross motor function, balance, LE ROM, and on 2
strength measures. On the Canadian Occupational Perfor-
mance Measure, his parents reported improvements on the
following goals: (1) walk up and down stairs while carrying
something in his arms, (2) run faster without falling, and
(3) get off the floor with less effort and without using his
arms. For the 3-minute fast walk test, this patient walked
further and had a lower energy expenditure index after the
intervention. Program attendance for this child was 100%.
Case 3. This patients course of intervention was com-
plicated by a fall and resultant right femoral neck fracture
and surgical pinning. His right LE weight-bearing status
regressed from weight-bearing as tolerated with short leg
cast tononweight-bearing. Regardless of the weight-bearingre-
strictions on land, he continued with gait training activities
in the pool, as cleared by his orthopedist. At discharge from
PT services, this child made clinically significant improve-
ments on the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory,
Floor to Stand, passive ankle ROM, and 3-minute fast walk.
His parents also reported improvements on all of the Ca-
nadian Occupational Performance Measure goals. They
suggested that his progress with walking skills was faster
because he was able to practice walking in the pool even
though he could not walk on land due to difficulty adher-
ing to the weight-bearing precautions while his right hip
TABLE 3
(Continued)
Frequency/Duration Procedural Interventions Progressions
Case 4
Pool 1/day, 5
days/wk for 45
min beginning
1.5 mo into
hospital stay
Land 1/day, 6
days/wk for 45
min beginning
2.5 mo into
hospital stay.
Total time
inpatient
rehabilitation-
18 wk
Pool
Static stance with bilateral upper extremity (UE) support and
water chest deep (25% WB)
Sit to stand activities using pool wheelchair for consecutive
repetitions without UE support
Step-ups leading with alternating legs in parallel bars (using
3 inch high step) with WB 25%
Land
Squat-pivot transfers from bed 3wheelchair 3mat with
partial weight bearing through lower extremities (25%)
Static stance with standard walker or in parallel bars
Closed-chain strengthening exercise via functional transfers
(sit-stand, standing partial squats)
Ambulation in parallel bars
Pool
Standing-static and dynamic standing activities
without UE support; 2level of assistive device for
progression ambulation (parallel bars 3walker 3
no assistive device)
2amount of UE support for step-ups, and advance
to functional stair climbing
Land
1level of difficulty of transfers (squat pivot 3
stand-pivot with UE support (walker) 3stand-pivot
with 2 hands held assistance)
2amount of UE support and move fromstatic to
dynamic standing tasks
2UE support (ambulation with rolling walker 3
ambulation with 2 hands held 3independent
ambulation)
Ambulation on stairs with rail and assistance
TABLE 4
Outcome Data for Case 1
Measures Initial Discharge
JAQQgross motor
Raw score 27 17
Mean score 3 1.2
FLACC pain scale
Moderate activity 4/10 0/10*
4 hrs after moderate activity 2/10 0/10
MMT
Left knee extensors 4 4
Right knee extensors 5 5
Passive ROM
Left knee extension 20 7*
*Value greater than MDC.
TABLE 5
Outcome Data Case 2
Measures Initial Discharge
COPM
Performance 1.3 7.7*
Satisfaction 3 8*
GMFM-66 (scaled score) 69.22 76.75*
OGS L 6/22 L 10/22
R 8/22 R 13/22
3-min fast walk
EEI (beats/min) 1.02 0.85*
Distance (m) 274.3 327.36*
Standing functional reach (cm) 23 29.5*
Peak isometric strength (kg)
Knee extensors L 14.8 R 14.0 L 16.6* R 16.2*
Ankle dorsiflexors L 2.2 R 2.2 L 3.3 R 3.6
Ankle plantarflexors L 13.5 R 14.3 L 17.3* R 16.2
Passive ROM
Popliteal angle L 54 R 48 L 40* R 35*
Ankle DF L 5 R 5 L 6* R 10
*Value greater than MDC.
Value greater than MID.
74 Fragala-Pinkham et al Pediatric Physical Therapy
fracture was healing. Programattendance for this child was
72% over the 8-month episode of care with over half of the
cancelled appointments due to other medical appoint-
ments. Other cancellations were due to vacations or
illnesses.
Case 4. For the first 8 weeks, this adolescent had
orthopedic restrictions which limited her participation in
PT to active and passive arm and leg exercises in bed. Be-
ginning at week 9, she was progressed to partial weight-
bearing activities in the pool, but not on land. By week 12,
she was able to begin brief, weight-bearing on land via
stand-pivot transfers, and by week 14 she was able to ini-
tiate upright ambulation on land. At discharge, this patient
was independent with household ambulation, and re-
quired close supervision for ambulation within the com-
munity. She was able to ambulate indoors without the use of
TABLE 6
Outcome Data Case 3
Measures Initial
Week 5: Reexamination
After Hip Fracture
Week 20: Reexamination
Progressed to Full WB Right 3 Sec
COPM
Performance 1 NT 4.5 6.25*
Satisfaction 1 6.25 7.75*
PEDI mobility functional skills scaled score 38.2 20.9 85.2* 94.2*
Floor to stand Needed assistance
to get off the floor
Unable 5 mo: 23 sec 10.1 sec*
3-min fast walk
EEI (beats/min) 1.77 Unable 0.93 0.66*
Distance (m) 128 253 458*
Timed single limb stance
MMT right
Hip abductors 3 2 3 4
Hip extensors 3 2 3 4
Knee extensors 4 3 4 4
Ankle dorsiflexors 0 0 0 1
Ankle plantarflexors 0 0 1 1
Ankle invertors 0 0 0 1
Ankle evertors 0 0 0 0
Passive ROM
Right ankle DF 5 5 12 20*
Ankle eversion 5 5 3 10*
*Value greater than MDC.
Value greater than MID.
TABLE 7
Outcome Data Case 4
Week 1 Week 9 Discharge
PEDI mobility FS
scaled score
0 41.4 65*
PEDI mobility CA
scaled score
0 47.2 66.7*
Walking endurance Unable to walk on
land
Walked 40 feet in pool in shoulder deep
water (25% WB)
Walked in pool (25% WB) at 1.2 mph for 25 min (0.49 miles)
Ambulated on land for 20 min for 350 ft 2 repetitions with
rolling walker (0.13 miles)
Ambulated on land without walker with contact guard 700
ft. in 20 min (0.13 miles)
Numerical Pain Scale Passive and active
movement: 5/10
Ambulation in pool: low back 2/10; left
LE 0/10
Passive and active movement: 0/10*
Ambulation land and pool: 0/10
Timed single limb
stance
Not tested
secondary to
orthopedic
restrictions
L 0 sec
R 0 sec
Unable even with assistance
L 1 sec with 2 hands held assistance
R 3 sec with 2 hands held assistance
MMT
Hip abductors
Hip extensors
Knee extensors
Ankle dorsiflexors
Ankle plantarflexors
L 1 R 3
L 1 R 3
L 2 R 3
L 3 R 3
L 3 R 3
L 2 R 3
L 2 R 3
L 3 R 3
L 3 R 3
L 3 R 3
L 3 R 4
L 2 R 3
L 3 R 4
L 5 R 5
L 3 R 4
*Value greater than MDC.
Value greater than MID.
Pediatric Physical Therapy Aquatic Physical Therapy Program 75
her walker, and used the walker for community distances. In
addition to the above clinically significant improvements in
functional mobility, she was also more cooperative and inde-
pendent in initiating self-movement. She improved her walk-
ing endurance, LE strength, and was pain free by discharge
frominpatient rehabilitation. Programattendance for this ad-
olescent was 100%.
DISCUSSION
The 4 cases presented in this article provide an illus-
tration of combined land-based and water-based PT inter-
vention where 50% or more of the PT sessions were
conducted in the pool. All 4 patients demonstrated improve-
ments in impairment level measures such as ROM, strength,
balance, or pain reduction as well as improvements in func-
tional mobility or motor skills. Though the ages, diagnoses,
and goals differed for each case, the physical therapists be-
lieved that a combination of land-based and water-based in-
tervention would assist with carryover of functional mobility
skills on land. The results of these reports support previous
case reports and other studies indicating that children with
restrictions in activity limitations as well as impairments may
benefit from aquatic PT intervention.
Across these 4 cases, the use of the underwater tread-
mill for promoting endurance, improved gait pattern and
functional skills appeared to be a successful intervention
activity. Improvements in walking speed, distance walked
or functional skills have been reported for children with CP
who participated in partial weight treadmill training on
land.
1315
Land-based strengthening exercises have also
been shown to be effective in improving strength and func-
tion in children with CP, Prader-Willi syndrome, and Ju-
venile idiopathic arthritis.
1618
For these 4 cases, active ex-
ercises with resistance of cuff weights and/or water were
used to promote LE strength. Findings from other studies
indicate that using aquatic resistive exercise can improve
strength in children with CP.
5
Balance activities with water at varying water depths
can be used to work on balance especially for children who
are fearful about losing their balance. Success performing
challenging balance tasks and gross motor skills in the
water can potentially increase confidence and lead to less
resistance, to try difficult tasks on land. An example of this,
is case 3, who was initially hesitant to walk on land for fear
of foot pain but was able to walk longer distances and run
in the water much sooner than on land. During walking
and running activities, the buoyancy of the water reduced
LE weight-bearing forces and it also helped us to deter-
mine that difficulty with running was due to impaired
strength and balance and not deficits in motor control
and coordination.
Programattendance was high for all 4 children. This is
consistent with what PT staff anecdotally report; the num-
ber of missed appointments (cancellations or no shows)
is reduced when a childs PT program includes aquatic
intervention. In addition, therapy staff members report a
high degree of motivation from the children and youth
treated in the water and a decline in behavior-related ob-
stacles to accomplishing therapeutic activities.
For these 4 cases, physical therapists used a wide va-
riety of valid and reliable measures encompassing the mul-
tiple levels of functioning depending on the individualized
needs of the child. Upon review of the cases, we acknowl-
edge that other measures could have been used to
strengthen the documentation and reporting of outcomes.
At present, we do not have a standard battery of tests to
assess impairment, activity, and participation level out-
comes and therefore it makes it difficult to directly com-
pare and contrast the efficacy of different interventions.
Although we feel that it is important for therapists to use
their clinical judgment and determine what important out-
comes are for each child, a general battery of tests may be
helpful to guide clinical practice, particularly in a newpro-
gram. In addition, as more information becomes available
on psychometric properties of tests and measures, the use
of MDC and MID to evaluate the outcomes on a program
wide basis or for individual patients will become feasible.
For the 4 cases presented, PT examination compo-
nents were not altered even if part of the intervention was
anticipated to occur in the water. Examinations were indi-
vidualized and a combination of participation, activity, and
impairment measures were used. Therapeutic activities in-
cluding strengthening, balance training, cardiorespiratory
endurance training, and gait training were still the primary
procedural interventions that were used during aquatic PT
sessions.
A limitation of this case series is that all 4 patients
received both land-based and aquatic-based PT interven-
tions; therefore, improvements in impairment, activity,
and participation level measures may be a result of inter-
ventions which were land-based, water-based, or a combi-
nation of both. Further research is needed to compare the
effects of these interventions in order to definitively tease
out which improvements can be attributed to aquatic PT.
After reviewing these cases, several questions have
surfaced that we would like to evaluate further. Can chil-
dren with CP and other disabilities improve walking en-
durance and exercise capacity after participating in an
aquatic aerobic exercise program? Do children and families
have higher levels of satisfaction and increased motivation
to participate in aquatic PT than land-based PT? Do chil-
dren gain mobility skills, endurance, and strength sooner
after orthopedic surgeries if they participate in aquatic PT
intervention soon after surgery while they have limitations
in weight-bearing? It would also be helpful to evaluate the
long-term effects on joints of exercising in the low-impact
environment of water rather than the higher impact forces
on land. As a result of this work, several additional projects
were initiated including the evaluation of aquatic PT using
a single subject ABA design and a group aquatic exercise
program using a quasi-experimental design in a commu-
nity pool.
Since the initiation of aquatic therapy services in
2005, the response fromreferral sources, children and fam-
ilies, and therapy staff has been positive. To date, there
76 Fragala-Pinkham et al Pediatric Physical Therapy
have been no reported injuries or safety incidents. The pool
is used by physical and occupational therapists with pa-
tients in all hospital programs but outpatient aquatic PT
referrals are the highest and continue to increase. Minor
logistical problems have been encountered. The demand
for aquatic therapy appointments is high and has generated
some scheduling conflicts, which have been resolved by
extending appointment times into the evening hours.
Therapists have noted that documenting patient response
to treatment during the session is challenging.
CONCLUSION
An aquatic PT programhas been a successful addition
to a pediatric rehabilitation hospital PT program. On the
basis of the 4 cases, we have presented aquatic PTprograms
in conjunction with land-based PT intervention may help
to improve participation, activity, and body function in
young patients with varying types of physical disabilities.
Further research is needed to determine the effectiveness
of individual aquatic PT interventions for young patients
with disabilities.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The authors thank the children and their families for
participating.
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