Vous êtes sur la page 1sur 5

Joely Ramos

Dr. Mary Broach


LEI 3723L R8R2
15 April 2016

Discussion Questions
1. What is aquatic therapy?
Aquatic therapy is a form of treatment or rehabilitation aimed by Therapeutic
Recreation (TR) Specialists to be taught as a lifestyle that intentionally improves the
holistic health of participants through independence in swimming and water
exercise, as worded by Broach and Dattilo (1996). Some of the holistic health
benefits of aquatic therapy depending on participant goals includes participating in
recreation more often, sense of achievement and freedom, help with range of motion
in joints, increased socialization, improved balance, body awareness, better
coordination, and more.
2. What are six physical benefits of aquatic therapy?
Aquatic therapy has many physical benefits, but six specific ones are: (1) balance
control, (2) activity without pain, (3) increased muscle strength, (4) greater range of
motion, (5) endurance, (6) and general fitness. Each of these benefits are gained
through specific techniques within aquatic therapy with specialized instructions from
TR Specialists. The buoyancy and resistance found in water, that we dont get from
being on land, helps people move more freely and free from pain. These factors cause
participants to be more likely to move which increases muscle use and encouraged
fitness. Endurance, balance, and greater range of motion occurs through techniques
like Bad Ragaz, water yoga, Halliwick, and more.
3. Why can swimming be considered a beneficial medium of aquatic therapy?
Swimming can be considered a beneficial medium of aquatic therapy because it can
be adapted to each participants needs and capabilities while facilitating normal
patterns of movement (Broach & Dattilo, 2011). It involves various muscle groups
in each stroke, can included use of all the senses, encourages social and mental
development, and can be adapted to focus on the goal and abilities of individual
participants.
4. Why is it important to know what muscle groups are involved in an aquatic
therapy intervention?
It is important to know what muscle groups are involved in an aquatic therapy
intervention because you want to be able to stick to activities that dont cause pain but
are still effective for participants. Each movement involves various muscles in areas
that depend on how you are moving. However, if a participant has great difficulty
moving a specific area of the body even when in the water, certain exercises many be
contraindicated for that individual. The example given in this chapter is that of a

Joely Ramos
Dr. Mary Broach
LEI 3723L R8R2
15 April 2016

participant with a total hip replacement. Using flutter kicks and breast stroke kicks,
which cause hip flexion and extension, may be more risky than beneficial.
5. What are general guidelines for aquatic therapy interventions?
Generally, facilitators leading aquatic therapy interventions should know about
considerations, assessment, and possible contraindications. Aquatic therapy should
not be painful, comfort in the water is very important, and mental adjustment and
instructions should be provided to all participants because it increases participation.
When leading an activity in water, the depth, buoyancy, resistance, and temperature
of water should be considered. The amount of people present in therapy is also
important because for some activities a one-to-one ratio is essential, but for other
activities more is better. More people can be time effective and helpful for increased
socialization and self-awareness. Assessment of the actual physical characteristics of
the person can include a persons body shape, buoyancy, and contraindications
(Broach & Dattilo, 2011). Being aware of any conditions that people may have in
which aquatic therapy may not be the best option is important. Being aware of any
skin conditions, vital lung capacities, bladder incontinence, and more, is a guideline
to follow. People other than TR Specialists, that have water specific certifications and
experience, should also be present and involved.
6. Why are flotation devices not used with the Halliwick method of instruction?
Flotation devices are not used with the Halliwick method of instruction because they
alter body position and can be potentially unsafe (Broach & Dattilo, 2011). They can
serve as help, just not in this type of facilitated aquatic therapy due to the specific
principles used.
7. What are the four principles of instruction using the Halliwick method?
The four principles of instruction using the Halliwick method are (1) mental
adjustment, (2) rotational control, (3) inhibition, (4) and facilitation with progressive
steps based on a 10-point program. Mental adjustment makes participants aware that
they are in the water and helps them gain control of their movements. Rotational
control uses the arms or legs to maintain balance in the water. Inhibition helps
participants get to their desired position in the water, even when turbulence or
currents are active. Facilitation is controlled movement, like swimming, reached by
the participant with the help of the instruction.
8. What is the Halliwick method? How is it different from other methods of
teaching swimming?
The Halliwick method is a form of aquatic therapy that helps participants physically,
mentally, and with their self-confidence. It is different from other methods of

Joely Ramos
Dr. Mary Broach
LEI 3723L R8R2
15 April 2016

teaching swimming because it teaches comfort and balance rather than swimming
strokes to assist in orientation to the water (Broach & Dattilo, 2011).
9. Sensory integration includes what six systems discussed in this chapter?
In this chapter, sensory integration includes the (1) vestibular, (2) proprioceptive, (3)
tactile, (4) visual, (5) auditory, (6) and bilateral integration systems. The vestibular
system focuses on balance, equilibrium, and posture. The proprioceptive system
includes sensations within the body, while the tactile includes sensations on the skin.
Visual and auditory systems focus on eye and ear functioning and development.
Finally, the bilateral integration system is improved by coordinating both sides of the
body to work together at the same time.
10. What is Watsu?
Watsu is a form of aquatic therapy created by Dull Watsu. It is done in warm water
and uses rhythmical, rotational movements to assist in tension reduction and
relaxation (Broach & Dattilo, 2011). It is designed to decrease muscle tension that
occurs most often by fear of falling, stress, anxiety, pain, movement restraint, and so
on. Watsu relaxes participants to work off and release strain.
11. What are six contraindications to aquatic therapy?
Six contraindications to aquatic therapy are (1) uncontrolled seizures, (2) open
wounds, (3) bowel incontinence, (4) diseases transmissible by water, (5) unstable
blood pressure, (6) and open tracheotomies until healed. All of these are more
dangerous than beneficial in aquatic therapy. If not paid close attention to, they can
causes infections, hospitalization, sicknesses, bruises, and etc.
12. What is Archimedes principle?
Archimedes principle is the opposing form of gravity, which is buoyancy, and how
that results in a feeling of weightlessness.
13. What is an application of Archimedes principle to aquatic therapy?
Archimedes principle can be applied to aquatic therapy by people who are
medically limited in weight bearing (Broach & Dattilo, 2011). So, the amount of
weight supported by a person is reduced when they are in the water, and increased
buoyancy helps them to bear less weight. For people with arthritis or muscular
disorders, Archimedes principle can be applied to make therapy more effective.
14. Describe two possible benefits of hydrodynamic pressure for participants in
aquatic therapy?
With hydrodynamic pressure, two possible benefits for participants are (1) decreased

Joely Ramos
Dr. Mary Broach
LEI 3723L R8R2
15 April 2016

edema or swelling, (2) and improved circulation. Swelling will decrease because
there is applied pressure on every side of the body when underwater. The
compression is not painful and help any inflammation reduce. The density of the
water is important because more dense water, such as salt water, will exert more
pressure than less dense water like fresh water. Improved circulation occurs because
being in the water reduces the amount of weight participants have to bear, which in
turn leads to more movement. The increased movement of participants cause the
blood to flow and circulate more than usual, which is good especially when observed
closely.
15. What are three benefits of using warm water in aquatic therapy?
Three benefits of using warm water in aquatic therapy are (1) increased circulation,
(2) increased heart rate, (3) and increased metabolism.
16. What are three potential leisure benefits of aquatic therapy?
Three potential leisure benefits of aquatic therapy are (1) independence in aquatic
activity after functional goals have been met, (2) further interest in other leisure
activities, (3) and self-determination/intrinsic motivation to continue leisure related
activities and therapy (Broach & Dattilo, 2011). All of these benefits also usually lead
to increased socialization and friendships, which is another great leisure benefit.
17. What are effects of aquatic immersion on the circulatory system?
The effects of aquatic immersion on the circulatory system is more movement of the
blood within the body. The pressure in water is usually greater than the pressure in
our veins, so when immersed the blood in our veins are pressured upward. According
to Broach and Dattilo (2011), blood is displaced upward through a one-way system
first into the thighs, then to the abdominal cavity, and finally to great vessels of the
chest cavity and into the heart. Depending on the situation and water temperature,
heart rate and blood pressure tend to drop.
18. What are effects of immersion on the musculoskeletal system?
The effects of immersion on the musculoskeletal system are present in aquatic
therapy. According to the chapter, blood supply is to muscles and skin is
significantly increased. This means that muscles get more oxygen and can more
easily remove lactate and other metabolic end products which decreases swelling
(Broach & Dattilo, 2011). Furthermore, naturally if the body is warmer because of
muscle use, the water will also get warmer, and relax the muscles.
19. What is Ai Chi?
Ai Chi is a form of facilitation technique used in aquatic therapy. It is a branch of Tai

Joely Ramos
Dr. Mary Broach
LEI 3723L R8R2
15 April 2016

Chi mixed with Shiatsu and Watsu, which is an exercise typically performed on land.
It is aimed to relax the body and increase range of motion and mobility. Breathing
techniques and body movements are all taught to participants in shoulder-deep water.
20. What is PNF? What does PNF mean?
PNF means Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation. In alignment to its meaning
Aquatic PNF is a facilitation technique in aquatic therapy that focuses on the
stimulation of the mind, nerves, and muscles. Participants are instructed and guided
verbally, visually, and tactilely to achieve movement patterns in the water.
21. Describe two possible benefits of hydrodynamic pressure for participants in
aquatic therapy? (Same question as #14)
With hydrodynamic pressure, two possible benefits for participants are (1) decreased
edema or swelling, (2) and improved circulation. Swelling will decrease because
there is applied pressure on every side of the body when underwater. The
compression is not painful and help any inflammation reduce. The density of the
water is important because more dense water, such as salt water, will exert more
pressure than less dense water like fresh water. Improved circulation occurs because
being in the water reduces the amount of weight participants have to bear, which in
turn leads to more movement. The increased movement of participants cause the
blood to flow and circulate more than usual, which is good especially when observed
closely.
22. What is viscosity?
Viscosity is concerned with how water molecules are attracted to the swimmers in the
water, and how water molecules are attracted to other water molecules. For example,
water does not roll of our bodies when we exit the water because of the viscosity
which reveals the adhesive force between a body and water (Broach & Dattilo,
2011). This viscosity can act as a resistance to the movement participants make even
while they are still in the water.

References
Broach, E., & Dattilo, J. (1996). Aquatic therapy: A viable therapeutic recreation option.
Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 30, 213-239.
Broach, E., & Dattilo, J. (2011). Chapter 4 Aquatic Therapy. In Facilitation Techniques in
Therapeutic Recreation (2nd ed., pp. 69-110). State College, PA: Venture Publishing.

Vous aimerez peut-être aussi