Date of Award

12-2005

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Dr. Ben Atchison

Second Advisor

Berit Miller

Third Advisor

Dr. Diane Dirette

Access Setting

Masters Thesis-Open Access

Abstract

This study examined the effectiveness of using aquatic therapy (AT) as a technique in the treatment of cerebral vascular accidents (CVA). The unique properties of the aquatic environment were manipulated to determine change in range of motion, muscle tone, balance, functional ambulation, and psychological functioning particularly social relationship and positive and negative feelings.

A single subject design was conducted using two subjects that participated in a twelve week aquatic therapy program. Aquatic therapy showed to be effective in treating common symptoms of a CVA. More research needs to be completed to ensure the effectiveness of aquatic therapy in congruency with the stroke population. AT demonstrated to be a safe and productive treatment modality for the variables tested.

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