Children with sensory processing challenges participated in an 8-week play-based aquatic program addressing goals on behavior, sensory, and participation. It is expected that after the 8-week group, the child's goals will improve demonstrating an effective intervention to address sensory difficulties.
This study examined the effectiveness of an aquatic OT program for children with sensory processing difficulties to develop water readiness skills and improve sensory, behavior, and engagement goals. Six groups of children with deficits in various sensory systems participated in an 8-week aquatic group led by an occupational therapist and occupational therapy students. Each week consisted of a 45-minute aquatic group with a 5 min warmup on land, 30 mins of aquatic activities addressing the sensory system of the week, and 10 mins addressing a social activity with peers. Goals were developed and assessed via the Goal Attainment Scale (GAS). Parents of the participants were given the Sensory Processing Measure (SPM-2) before beginning. As a result of participating in the aquatic OT intervention, percentage of goals achieved will be analyzed. It is expected that this program proves to be beneficial and therefore aquatic OT shows potential for improving sensory processing skills, behavior, and social participation with peers.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
35
Each week, the children participated in a 45-minute aquatic occupational therapy group that consisted of warmup on land, 30 mins of sensory activities in the water, and 10 mins of social activity in the water
Seven Hills Recreation Center
Seven Hills, Ohio, United States
Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS)
Goals were written on behavior, engagement/participation, and sensory on a scale from -2 (worse outcome) to +2 (better outcome). Each week scores on each goal were documented.
Time frame: Scores were tracked weekly for 8 weeks of each program.
Parent Surveys
Survey with quantitative and qualitative questions about their child's experience and differences seen in the aquatic group
Time frame: Parents were given a post-survey at the 8th week.
Sensory Processing Measure (SPM: Preschool version: SPM-P, newer edition: SPM-2) Assessment Scores
Assessment given to parents to fill out before their child could start the aquatic group. Gives information on different sensory systems. Categories are: vision, hearing, touch, taste and smell, body awareness, balance and motion, sensory total, planning and ideas, and social participation. Interpretive range is: Typical, Moderate difficulties, and Severe difficulties.
Time frame: Parents completed SPM on their child before the 8-week group began.
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