The Effectiveness of Aquatic Therapy on Motor and Social Skill as Well as Executive Function in Children With Neurodevelopmental Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To summarize the evidence on the efficacy of aquatic therapy on motor and social skill as well as executive function compared with land-based exercises in children with neurodevelopmental disorders.

DATA SOURCES:

The following 6 databases were searched: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Google scholar (advance), and Web of Science from 1990 to June 2022.

STUDY SELECTION:

The search included only clinical trials. Two reviewers independently assessed the full text and conducted manuscript selection, data extraction, and quality assessment.

DATA EXTRACTION:

Using standardized forms, data were extracted and all points of disagreement were discussed between authors.

DATA SYNTHESIS:

Data synthesis was applied to summarize information from the included trials. The quantitative analysis incorporated fixed-effect models. Of the 150 studies identified in the initial search, 16 trials (248 children) met the eligibility criteria. Aquatic therapy improved factors related to the Humphries' Assessment of Aquatic Readiness (HAAR) checklist such as mental adjustment (standardized mean difference [SMD], 0.69; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.20-1.19; I2=10%) compared with land-based exercises (control), water environment (SMD, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.43-1.54; I2=83%), Rotation (SMD, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.14-1.12; I2=0%), balance and control (SMD, 2.09; 95% CI, 1.47-2.72; I2=36%) and independent movement (eg, walking, moving upper body, standing, transferring) in water (SMD, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.37-1.38; I2=0%) compared with the control group in the 4 trails. The HAAR tool is based on the Halliwick method and aims to assess the appropriateness for an individual with disability to engage in aquatic therapy. The study protocol was also registered with PROSPERO number CRD42022341898.

CONCLUSION:

Aquatic therapy demonstrated a more robust positive effect on factors related to the HAAR checklist than land-based exercises. Further research is needed to further elucidate the clinical utility of aquatic therapy for children with neurodevelopmental disorder at long-term follow-up.

• Authors: Ardalan Shariat, Mahboubeh Ghayour Najafabadi, Isis Kelly Dos Santos, Albert Thomas Anastasio, Homa Rafiei Milajerdi, Gholamreza Hassanzadeh, Elahe Nouri
• Journal: Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation (Arch Phys Med Rehabil) (Sep 09 2023) ISSN: 1532-821X [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 37690741 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2023 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.