| Autor: |
Marinho-Buzelli AR; KITE, Toronto Rehab-University Health Network , Toronto , Canada., Zaluski AJ; School of Rehabilitation Science, University of Saskatchewan , Saskatoon , Canada., Mansfield A; KITE, Toronto Rehab-University Health Network , Toronto , Canada.; Department of Physical Therapy, University of Toronto , Toronto , Canada.; Evaluative Clinical Sciences, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute , Toronto , Canada., Bonnyman AM; Department of Physical Therapy, University of Toronto , Toronto , Canada., Musselman KE; KITE, Toronto Rehab-University Health Network , Toronto , Canada.; School of Rehabilitation Science, University of Saskatchewan , Saskatoon , Canada.; Department of Physical Therapy, University of Toronto , Toronto , Canada.; Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto , Toronto , Canada. |
| Abstrakt: |
Context/Objective: Aquatic therapy (AT) has been used to enhance balance and mobility in people with disabilities; however, AT is reported to be underused among people with spinal cord injury or disorder (SCI/D). We aimed to understand the perceptions of AT use by physical therapists (PT), PT assistants (PTA) and kinesiologists (KIN) across Canada for clients with SCI/D. Design/Methods: Individual semi-structured interviews were completed with PT, PTA and KIN (phone or in-person). PT, PTA and KIN who had used AT with at least one client with SCI/D in the past year were eligible. Interview questions queried each participant's AT setting, AT approaches, and perceived facilitators and barriers to AT implementation for clients with SCI/D. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes and subthemes. Results: Six PT (2 male, 4 female), three PTA (female) and 1 KIN (female) participated. The following four themes were identified: (1) multi-system benefits from AT (e.g. from impairment to function, confidence and enjoyment); (2) application of AT (e.g. based on principles of the water); (3) perceived barriers to implementing AT (e.g. pool accessibility, client comorbidities); and (4) water as an enabler to function on land. Conclusions: The participants reported AT was a unique and versatile approach that benefits the multi-dimensional aspects of the health of individuals with SCI/D. They successfully integrated AT into their clinical practice despite the barriers faced by professionals and clients. |
