Atia et al (2023) Efficacy of aquatic exercise on pulmonary function and aquatic skills performance in older children with cerebral palsy. Randomised controlled study

This randomized controlled study explored the effects of aquatic aerobic exercise training (AqET) on pulmonary function (PF) and aquatic skill performance in older children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP). The study included 28 children aged 13–15, divided into two groups: an AqET group and a control group receiving traditional physiotherapy (TPT).

The findings revealed significant improvements in both pulmonary function and aquatic skills in the AqET group compared to the control group. Forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) showed greater percentage increases in the AqET group, demonstrating enhanced respiratory efficiency. Aquatic skills, assessed using the Water Orientation Test Alyn (WOTA), also improved significantly, with better scores in mental adaptation, balance control, and movement execution.

The 12-week program included 60-minute sessions, three times a week, combining aerobic and task-based aquatic exercises. Water’s properties, such as buoyancy and hydrostatic pressure, provided an ideal environment to improve lung function and motor skills while reducing strain on joints.

This study concludes that AqET is more effective than TPT in enhancing pulmonary function and aquatic skills in children with spastic CP. These findings underscore the potential of aquatic therapy as a vital component of CP management strategies.