Date of Award
Spring 5-8-2021
Document Type
Oral Presentation/Poster
Degree Name
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Department
Health Science
Faculty Mentor
Dr. Mackenzie Feldhacker, OTD, OTR/L, CLT-LANA
Keywords
occupational therapy, aquatic therapy, adult rehabilitation, aquatic rehabilitation, Parkinson's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebrovascular Accident, CVA
Subject Categories
Occupational Therapy
Abstract
Properties of water have been utilized as a therapeutic treatment method for the past 100 years (Becker, 2009). Aquatic-based occupational therapy services are used as an adjunct to traditional land-based occupational therapy intervention (Franken et al., 2013). The OTS developed a 14-week capstone project with assistance provided by faculty and site mentors. The purpose of this capstone project was to develop aquatic-based intervention skills and explore the use and benefits of aquatic-based occupational therapy in patient care. To facilitate appropriate outcomes, three learning objectives with numerous project deliverables were developed. In order to demonstrate competence and understanding of aquatic-based occupational therapy, the OTS obtained certification as an aquatic therapeutic exercise specialist, developed patient education handouts, completed two case studies, and gave a presentation regarding aquatic-based occupational therapy to the Student Occupational Therapy Association at the University of South Dakota. To demonstrate the relationship between land and aquatic occupational therapy, a needs assessment was completed at the host site and culminated with a presentation of findings and formal recommendations to facility occupational and physical therapists. Finally, to disseminate information regarding the benefits of aquatic-based occupational therapy, the OTS wrote an article with faculty mentor for potential publication in the OT Practice magazine. As a result of this Capstone experience, the OTS developed skills and demonstrated competence in providing aquatic-based occupational therapy, as well as assisted the host site in developing a plan for future growth of their aquatic-base occupational therapy programming.
Recommended Citation
Barash, Brenna K., "Advanced Practice in Aquatic Therapy: Exploring Occupational Therapy in an Aquatic Environment" (2021). Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations. 33.
https://red.library.usd.edu/ot-capstone/33