96292 - Adapted Aquatics

Learning outcomes

Students will gain expertise in adapted aquatic exercise, understanding the objectives and benefits of aquatic exercise for special populations. They will learn to identify advantages, contraindications, and precautions, and design adapted aquatic exercise programs for individuals with specific motor, mental, and motivational needs. They will be able to evaluate and monitor aquatic activity using analytical tools and program personalized activities. They will delve into specific methodologies for special populations, integrating multidisciplinary knowledge for effective and safe interventions.

Course contents

Introduction to Aquatic Exercise

The course begins with a general overview of aquatic exercise, a preventive and recovery methodology utilizing the physical properties of water to enhance well-being and health. Students will define aquatic exercise, identifying its main objectives: improving motor skills, facilitating functional recovery, enhancing physical endurance, and promoting overall well-being. Concepts of hydrokinetic therapy and hydrotherapy will be introduced, analyzing benefits such as reduced joint load, improved mobility, and increased muscle resistance, along with contraindications like skin infections and cardiovascular issues. Students will understand the benefits of adapted aquatic exercise, including necessary precautions for safe, effective, and functional intervention. The role of the aquatic educator, including required competencies and current legislation, will be explored. Models of collaboration in adapted aquatic activities will be examined, focusing on educational, recreational, medical-therapeutic, and multidisciplinary approaches. The current state of the scientific literature on adapted aquatic activity will be analyzed, along with the dissemination of this practice both nationally and internationally.

The Aquatic Environment

In the module dedicated to the aquatic environment, students will explore the fluidostatic and fluidodynamic properties of water, which are essential for understanding the interaction between the human body and the liquid during exercise. The course will analyze the structure of the water molecule, its constitution, mass, specific weight, and density, introducing the concepts of hydrostatic pressure and Archimedes' buoyant force, which are crucial for understanding floatation. Students will study surface tension and light refraction in water, examining their perceptual and mechanical effects on movement. The fluidodynamic properties will be explored through the laws of motion, the behavior of fluids in motion, the concept of viscosity, and the drag forces (resistance), which are key in designing safe and effective aquatic exercises.

Human Responses to Immersion

This module addresses the biomechanical and physiological responses of the human body to immersion in water. The first section focuses on biomechanical adaptations, analyzing the role of buoyancy in relation to body position, both horizontal and vertical. Students will examine how segmental distribution influences stability and the ability to maintain balance in water. Special attention is given to buoyancy during aquatic walking and its interaction with propulsive forces in locomotion, with reflections on motor control strategies.
The second section explores physiological responses to immersion, both at rest and during exercise. Students will investigate adaptations at the muscular, cardiovascular, renal, pulmonary, respiratory, thermoregulatory, and neurophysiological levels, with a focus on how water temperature influences thermoregulation. The module also addresses the energetics of aquatic locomotion, assessing the metabolic cost of movements in water and their advantages over land-based activity

Preparation and Guidelines for Aquatic Exercise

Students will examine the structural aspects of swimming pools and the necessary features to ensure a safe and effective environment. Various types of equipment will be discussed, including flotation devices for maintaining proper posture, resistive equipment for increasing muscle strength, and special equipment for specific needs. Precautions, proper posture, warming up, and stretching in water will be covered. Students will receive guidelines for effective aquatic exercise, understanding benefits, contraindications, and precautions, and will be guided in designing an adapted aquatic exercise program tailored to individual needs.

Historical Overview of Aquatic Exercise

This section provides a historical overview of water-based exercise. Students will explore the ancient roots of aquatic therapies, referencing Egyptian and Roman practices. The modern origins of aquatic therapy, with the development of scientific techniques in the 19th century, will be discussed. The current state of water use for recovery will be analyzed, offering a historical and contemporary context of current practices and highlighting the ongoing evolution of kinesiology methodologies in aquatic settings.

Adapted Aquatic Exercise Technique

This section covers the main methodologies of adapted physical activity in water. Students will explore the Halliwick concept, the Bad Ragaz method, Ai Chi, Watsu, Burdenko, the Unpredictable Command Technique, Aqua Stretch, Adapted Swimming, and various Aqua Fitness techniques. Each method will be examined in terms of treatment, applications, technique, scientific validity, and evaluation, allowing students to understand the different methodologies. This multidisciplinary approach will provide a comprehensive overview of the various methodologies available and their potential.

Aquatic Activities for Special Populations

This section focuses on aquatic activities for special populations. Students will examine common disabilities and learn how to adapt cardiovascular, neuromuscular, and musculoskeletal training in water to meet the needs of various groups. Specific recommendations for pregnant women, children, the elderly, overweight individuals, and injured athletes will be discussed, providing detailed guidelines for the safety and effectiveness of aquatic interventions for different populations.

Readings/Bibliography

Slides used during lectures will be provided and made available within the course materials on the specific portal.

Students can also use the following books to consolidate or deepen the topics covered:

• Brody, L. T., & Geigle, P. R. (Eds.). (2009). Aquatic Exercise for Rehabilitation and Training. Human Kinetics.
• Lepore, M., Gayle, G. W., & Stevens, S. F. (2007). Adapted Aquatics Programming: A Professional Guide, 2nd ed. Human Kinetics.
• Layne, M. (2015). Water Exercise. Human Kinetics.
• Wilk, K., & Joyner, D. (2024). The Use of Aquatics in Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Rehabilitation and Physical Conditioning. Taylor & Francis.

Teaching methods

The course includes classroom lectures.

Considering the teaching methods and activities, it is mandatory for all students to attend Module 1 and 2 [https://www.unibo.it/en/services-and-opportunities/health-and-assistance/health-and-safety/online-course-on-health-and-safety-in-study-and-internship-areas] online and Module 3 on occupational health and safety. Information Information about Module 3 attendance schedule is available on the degree programme website.

Assessment methods

The final exam will consist of a written test with open-ended questions to assess the depth of understanding achieved by the student.

Teaching tools

Active learning phases and competency-based teaching strategies will be incorporated, along with self-assessment strategies to support student participation in the learning process

Office hours

See the website of Matteo Cortesi