Preliminary Aquatic Physical Therapy Core Sets for Children and Youth With Neurological Disorders: A Consensus Process

Abstract

Purpose: To report on the preliminary aquatic physical therapy core sets for children and youth with neurological disorders using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health-children and youth version. Methods: A formal and structured consensus process was developed, integrating the findings of preparatory studies: a systematic literature review, expert survey with 69 participants, and a qualitative study with 43 participants. Results: Five preliminary aquatic physical therapy core sets were described: a Comprehensive Core Set (64 categories); a Common Brief (13 categories); and 3 age-specific Core Sets: infant (below 6 years, 18 categories), school-age (from 6 to <14 years, 22 categories), and youth (from 14 to 18 years, 19 categories). Conclusions: Consensus among aquatic physical therapists' expert opinions identified the relevant intervention categories available when treating children and youth with neurological disorders. This list of intervention categories can be used in practice, research, education, and health administration.

Influence of Aquatic Therapy in Children and Youth with Cerebral Palsy: A Qualitative Case Study in a Special Education School

“…The AT CSs project and our school intervention project in CP with severely disabled students agreed on themes related to mental functions, muscle functions, mobility, learning, and transfer. Our results support the idea that the ability to move in the water is an instrumental aspect of AT treatments [11]. Also, the ability for these sessions to enhance subsequent learning and the capacity to task-solve and meet various demands are key features of aquatic interventions, which have a major impact on the school and family environment.…”

“…Our findings cover the main relevant areas of functioning described by the agreed AT CSs for children with neurological disorders [11], with CP being the most prevalent pediatric neurological disorder. The AT CSs project and our school intervention project in CP with severely disabled students agreed on themes related to mental functions, muscle functions, mobility, learning, and transfer.…”

Core Outcome Sets in Child Health

“…A total of 37 762 articles were retrieved, of which 37 710 were identified from the bibliographic databases and 52 were identified via Google and/or relevant websites. A total of 77 COS fulfilled inclusion criteria (published in 98 articles) (eFigure 1 in the Supplement).…”

No Evidence to Support Aquatic Therapy for Children With Cerebral Palsy, But Do Their Experiences Matter More?

“…Other outcome measures, such as increased enjoyment, social participation, and quality of life, are not typically explored in most studies, despite their importance for children with CP. [5][6][7][8] In this author' s clinical experience, children with CP tend to express strong enthusiasm for aquatic therapy, with noticeable changes in mood and behavior regardless of their level of disability. These observations are consistent with recent qualitative studies, which demonstrate that children with CP enjoy aquatic exercise, and that both parents and education staff support its applications.…”

“…Additionally, most outcome measures were based on physiological parameters. Other outcome measures, such as increased enjoyment, social participation, and quality of life, are not typically explored in most studies, despite their importance for children with CP 5–8…”