Effects of an aquatic therapy program on vital capacity, quality of life and physical activity index in children with cerebral palsy

The aim of this paper is to track the aspects and results of applying an aquatic therapy intervention program adapted and integrated in the treatment of neuromotor reeducation of children with cerebral palsy on gross motor function, spasticity and range of motion. Material and methods: The aquatic therapy program had a duration of 6 months, 2 weekly sessions. The average duration of a session was 45 minutes. The water temperature was 36°C. Besides the aquatic therapy sessions the children participate in 2 physical therapy sessions which were included in the rehabilitation program of the institutions they belonged to. Twenty-four children diagnosed with cerebral palsy have participated in this study. The average age was 12.5±2.7 years.The assessment methods used were: Physical Activity Index is calculated by multiplying physical activity frequency, intensity and duration. Spirometry: The following device was used in order to assess vital capacity: MIR Spirobank II Spirometer, S/N 000912. Results: After the use of the aquatic therapy program, results have been statistically significant for physical activity index scores p