OBJECTIVE: The effects of hydrotherapy on an 11-year-old girl with stage III Rett syndrome were investigated. METHODS: The Halliwick method was used to apply hydrotherapy in a swimming pool twice a week for 8 weeks. The girl's physical abilities were assessed 3 times: before and 5 minutes after a single hydrotherapy session and after 8 weeks of hydrotherapy. The tests included analysis of stereotypical movements, functional hand use, hand skills, gait and balance, hyperactive behaviour, communication and social interaction. RESULTS: Immediately after hydrotherapy, stereotypical movements decreased and this decrease continued during the following 8 weeks. The girl's feeding activities and hand skills increased markedly. After 8 weeks of hydrotherapy, her walking balance was improved, interaction with her environment increased and hyperactive behaviour and anxiety decreased. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, after the application of hydrotherapy, stereotypical hand movements had decreased and purposeful hand functions and feeding skills increased in this case. Whether hydrotherapy has a positive effect on the functional use of the hand in Rett syndrome should be investigated using more subjects.
OBJECTIVE: The effects of hydrotherapy on an 11-year-old girl with stage III Rett syndrome were investigated. METHODS: The Halliwick method was used to apply hydrotherapy in a swimming pool twice a week for 8 weeks. The girl's physical abilities were assessed 3 times: before and 5 minutes after a single hydrotherapy session and after 8 weeks of hydrotherapy. The tests included analysis of stereotypical movements, functional hand use, hand skills, gait and balance, hyperactive behaviour, communication and social interaction. RESULTS: Immediately after hydrotherapy, stereotypical movements decreased and this decrease continued during the following 8 weeks. The girl's feeding activities and hand skills increased markedly. After 8 weeks of hydrotherapy, her walking balance was improved, interaction with her environment increased and hyperactive behaviour and anxiety decreased. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, after the application of hydrotherapy, stereotypical hand movements had decreased and purposeful hand functions and feeding skills increased in this case. Whether hydrotherapy has a positive effect on the functional use of the hand in Rett syndrome should be investigated using more subjects.
Authors: Christopher Petrus; Sarah R Adamson; Laurie Block; Sarah J Einarson; Maryam Sharifnejad; Susan R Harris Journal: Physiother Can Date: 2008-10-10 Impact factor: 1.037
Authors: Helena J M van Alphen; Aly Waninge; Alexander E M G Minnaert; Annette A J van der Putten Journal: BMC Health Serv Res Date: 2021-03-20 Impact factor: 2.655