Güeita J (2013) Identificación de objetivos de tratamiento con Fisioterapia Acuática enpatología infantil (Spanish)
Summary: Advancing Aquatic Therapy in Pediatric Rehabilitation
Keyphrase: “Aquatic Therapy in Pediatrics”
Introduction
Aquatic therapy is increasingly recognized for its therapeutic potential in pediatric rehabilitation. This study by Güeita aims to categorize the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) components relevant for aquatic therapy in children with disabilities. The goal was to develop a foundational “Core Set” for pediatric aquatic therapy, enhancing the understanding and application of “Aquatic Therapy in Pediatrics” for various conditions and needs.
Methodology
The research involved a three-tier approach: (1) A three-round global Delphi survey with 69 experts from 21 countries, (2) a multicentric qualitative study using focus groups (23 groups) and semi-structured interviews (20 parents of children with disabilities), and (3) a review and comparison of content across four identified aquatic outcome measures. This comprehensive methodology ensured a diverse and thorough exploration of aquatic therapy’s applications in pediatric care.
Results
Key findings included the identification of specific ICF categories across four expert groups (Neurology, Psychomotor Delay, General Developmental Disorders, and Musculoskeletal). The study identified 83 bodily functions, 43 body structures, 87 activity and participation categories, 7 environmental factors for intervention, 12 influencing environmental factors, and 24 personal factors. The focus groups and interviews similarly identified various factors, indicating the multifaceted nature of aquatic therapy’s applications in pediatric care. The aquatic scales review further highlighted specific bodily functions and participation categories relevant to aquatic therapy.
Conclusion
The study underscores the diversity of functional problems that can be addressed through aquatic therapy in children. It highlights the ICF’s usefulness in providing a general framework for describing health in chronic diseases and now specifically in children within an aquatic environment. The study calls for a formal consensus to integrate these qualitative findings and expert opinions within the ICF framework, aiming to standardize and optimize pediatric aquatic therapy practices.
Keyphrase: Aquatic Therapy in Pediatrics
Keywords: Aquatic Therapy, Pediatrics, Rehabilitation, ICF, Functional Improvement
