Abstract the Current Profile of Aquatic Rehabilitation, Fitness, And
Abstract The Current Profile of Aquatic Rehabilitation, Fitness, and Training Practitioners By Joan M. Langella March 3, 2010 Chair: Dr. Thomas Skalko Major Department: Recreation and Leisure Studies Aquatic rehabilitation, fitness, and training practitioners are perceived as competent, knowledgeable, certified specialists who use a comprehensive therapeutic approach in combination with aquatic techniques to aid in the rehabilitation of various conditions. These specialists, however, have diverse educational backgrounds that include content in movement, knowledge of chronic and acute disabling conditions, diseases, and aquatic techniques. In the past two decades, aquatic therapy has become a diverse multidisciplinary field. Each aquatic practitioner’s role is individually defined, and each individual may hold a different job description, work with different populations, and possess different preparation and training. A growing body of literature tends to support the efficacy and benefits of aquatic rehabilitation, fitness, and training in general, yet within the aquatic field it remains unclear who actually provides these aquatic rehabilitation, fitness, and training services (Norton & Jamison, 2000). The purpose of this study was to examine aquatic practitioners currently providing aquatic rehabilitation, fitness, and training services from two of the leading aquatic organizations, Aquatic Resource Network (ARN) and Aquatic Therapy & Rehab Institute (ATRI). The study was designed to help identify and describe the individuals providing aquatic rehabilitation, fitness, and training services. Five research questions were posed to examine relationships between the professional profile of respondents of the two aquatic organizations and the types of credentialing, settings, and population groups, and services provided. A descriptive questionnaire consisting of 26 questions was designed and is divided into three sections: (a) demographic, (b) facility, and (c) aquatic therapy continuing professional development information.
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