A Water-Based Intervention for a Young Child with an Acquired Brain Injury: A Case Study

Authors

  • Kian Vanluyten KU Leuven
  • Peter Iserbyt KU Leuven

Abstract

Water-based interventions have a potential positive effect on people with an acquired brain injury (ABI). This article describes the implementation of such an intervention and evaluates it using the Water Orientation Alyn 2 test (WOTA2). Emily (pseudonym, six years old), has an ABI (traumatic) and was enrolled in a 10-week water-based program (30min, once a week). The Halliwick concept was covered with a focus on the mental adjustment part in the beginning, together with fine and gross motor skills in the water. Emily improved on all components of WOTA2 (WMA 13%, WSBM 16%, WTOT 15%) from pretest to posttest after 10 lessons and maintained these results during a retention test after 16 weeks. To the author’s knowledge, this is the first case study reporting a lesson plan and WOTA2 scores for children with ABI. This case study may serve as a starting point for other practitioners in the development of qualitative water-based programs and the validation with other age and target groups.

Published

2024-05-20

Issue

Section

Feature Articles