Actively Recruiting
Aquatic Therapy for Children With Neuromotor Deficits
Led by Ohio State University · Updated on 2026-02-27
36
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
47 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
O
Ohio State University
Lead Sponsor
F
Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This research aims to explore the feasibility, accuracy, and acceptability of an aquatic therapy assessment and intervention for children aged 3 to 9 years who have neuromotor deficits such as cerebral palsy or brain hypoxia. The study focuses on improving swim safety skills, upper limb function, and the ability to participate in and perform self-care activities. It is an interventional study conducted by Ohio State University. Participants will take part in aquatic occupational therapy sessions twice a week for ten weeks. Each session includes 30 minutes of aquatic therapy in a warm water pool focusing on swim skills and upper extremity exercises, followed by 15 minutes of self-care training to help with dressing and showering. The therapy combines land-based self-care training with water-based motor learning activities tailored to each child's individual goals. The study includes an intake evaluation session, twenty therapy sessions, and a post-intervention evaluation. Throughout the study, children will be assessed using several tests at the start and immediately after the intervention. These include the Water Orientation Test Alyn (WOTA), Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Index (PEDI-CAT), and Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test (QUEST) to measure changes in water orientation, disability, and upper limb skills. Additional measures include the Participation and Environment Measure (PEM-CY) and Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). Researchers will monitor progress, safety, and therapy adherence over the study period lasting about ten weeks.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Aquatic Therapy for Children With Neuromotor Deficits
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Children aged 3 to 9 years
- Parents or guardians aged 18 years or older
- Child has a neuromotor diagnosis such as cerebral palsy or brain hypoxia
- Child has impairments in upper extremity function
- Child has deficits in performing self-care activities
You will not qualify if you...
- Compromised airway
- Uncontrolled seizures
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 1 day
Participants undergo an intake evaluation session to assess baseline function and set individualized goals for therapy.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 10 weeks
Participants receive aquatic occupational therapy combining land-based self care training and water-based upper extremity and swim skill exercises tailored to individualized goals.
Twice weekly visits for a total of 20 sessions
Duration - 1 day
Participants complete a post intervention evaluation session to assess changes in function and therapy outcomes.
1 visit (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Erika Kemp
Columbus, Ohio, United States, 43210
Actively Recruiting
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NA
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
1
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