ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder
Conditions
Keywords
aquatic therapy, children, sensory processing challenges, aquatics, water, learn to swim, aquatic occupational therapy, occupational therapy, sensory processing
Brief summary
Children with sensory processing challenges participated in an 8-week play-based aquatic program addressing goals on behavior, sensory, and participation. It is expected that after the 8-week group, the child's goals will improve demonstrating an effective intervention to address sensory difficulties.
Detailed description
This study examined the effectiveness of an aquatic OT program for children with sensory processing difficulties to develop water readiness skills and improve sensory, behavior, and engagement goals. Six groups of children with deficits in various sensory systems participated in an 8-week aquatic group led by an occupational therapist and occupational therapy students. Each week consisted of a 45-minute aquatic group with a 5 min warmup on land, 30 mins of aquatic activities addressing the sensory system of the week, and 10 mins addressing a social activity with peers. Goals were developed and assessed via the Goal Attainment Scale (GAS). Parents of the participants were given the Sensory Processing Measure (SPM-2) before beginning. As a result of participating in the aquatic OT intervention, percentage of goals achieved will be analyzed. It is expected that this program proves to be beneficial and therefore aquatic OT shows potential for improving sensory processing skills, behavior, and social participation with peers.
Interventions
Each week, the children participated in a 45-minute aquatic occupational therapy group that consisted of warmup on land, 30 mins of sensory activities in the water, and 10 mins of social activity in the water
Sponsors
Kristen Pataki
Study design
Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Masking description
Every participant participated in the aquatic group so the participant, care provider, and investigator were all aware of the intervention provided--therapy in the water.
Intervention model description
Every participant receives the intervention. Each child participates in the 8-week aquatic group.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
4 Years to 9 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Participants must be ages 4-9 years old * have an identified sensory processing problem as related on the SPM assessment * able to maintain head, neck, and trunk control * able to follow 1-2 step directions
Exclusion criteria
* Participants younger than 4 years old and older than 9 years old * requires lift to get in the water * difficulty with following 1-step directions
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Parent Surveys | Parents were given a post-survey at the 8th week. | Survey with quantitative and qualitative questions about their child's experience and differences seen in the aquatic group |
| Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) | Scores were tracked weekly for 8 weeks of each program. | Goals were written on behavior, engagement/participation, and sensory on a scale from -2 (worse outcome) to +2 (better outcome). Each week scores on each goal were documented. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Sensory Processing Measure (SPM: Preschool version: SPM-P, newer edition: SPM-2) Assessment Scores | Parents completed SPM on their child before the 8-week group began. | Assessment given to parents to fill out before their child could start the aquatic group. Gives information on different sensory systems. Categories are: vision, hearing, touch, taste and smell, body awareness, balance and motion, sensory total, planning and ideas, and social participation. Interpretive range is: Typical, Moderate difficulties, and Severe difficulties. |
Countries
United States
Outcome results
None listed