Physical therapist-led swimming lessons for children with cerebral palsy: a
report of 2 cases |
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| Authors: | Tadashi Matsuda Yoshiteru Akezaki Yoko Tsuji Kazunori Hamada Mitsuhiro Ookura |
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| Institution: | 1) Department of Rehabilitation, Suita Municipal Disability Support Center I-Hope Suita: 12-27 Senri-Banpaku-Koen, Suita, Osaka 565-0826, Japan;2) Division of Physical Therapy, Kochi Professional University of Rehabilitation, Japan;3) Division of Occupational Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Kansai University of Welfare Sciences, Japan |
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| Abstract: | Purpose] The purpose of this study was to report that a physical therapist qualified for swimming instruction can provide swimming instruction to children with spastic paraplegia due to cerebral palsy. We examined the role of the physical therapist in the support. Participants and Methods] Two elementary school children with cerebral palsy participated in this study. The swimming program consisting of 6 sessions was performed over 6 months in an indoor swimming pool. Each session lasted for 30 minutes and was instructed by a trained physical therapist. The 5 categories for evaluation were motor function, muscle tone, activities of daily living, swimming skill, and satisfaction level. Results] Case A showed improvement in streamline floating distance and 15-m time. Case B could not swim 15 m in the first session but completed 15 m within 102 s in the last session. The 3 other categories besides swimming skills did not improve. Conclusion] With a skilled physical therapist’s instruction, children with cerebral palsy may improve their swimming skills over a limited number of sessions without any adverse events.Key words: Children with a cerebral palsy, Swimming instruction, Physical therapist |
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