Literature review on Swimming
Kay Latto (1981) indicated that swimming is very high on
the list of popular activities available to mentally handicapped people. The
recreational, educational, and therapeutic value of water has long been
recognized (Lepore, Gayle and Stevens 2007). Many authors and articles describe
that the water environment can be used for rehabilitation, therapy,
instruction, education, leisure, competition, and recreation. In addition,
Physiological, psychological, and social benefits can be gained from swimming.
It also provide individual worth an opportunity for a lifelong recreational
outlet with peers and family (Paul Jansma 1988 p.312). Major goals of a
swimming program for students with disabilities include enjoying water
activities, learning how to swim, and improving swimming performance.
As Marg Caspo pointed in ‘Water learning and swimming for the severely handicapped’, the increasing number of reports on successful swimming instruction of severely handicapped indicated that a growing number of students are effectively participating in water learning. Some may learn to swim before they learn to crawl or walk.
Therapeutic Benefits of swimming
Children with a general lack of muscular developmental and coordination, those with epilepsy, cerebral palsy, hearing impairment, spinal bifida, osteogenesis imperfect, have been shown to develop the needed muscular control in water (Richard, 1980 cited in Jansma, 1993 pp.288). Its cushioning effects provide support for weak limbs and breaks falls. Its greater resistance to movement result in stronger kinesthetic and propioceptive feedback, a stronger sense of where the body is and what the body does, and helps to tone muscles (Buis & Schane, 1980 cited in Jansma, 1993 pp.288). When PWD require sensory stimulation, water can be an important part of therapy (Lepore, Gayle, Stevens (2007).
Lian and Goyette (1998) describe the therapeutic benefits of swimming as follow:
“Water provides plenty of sensory stimulation, such as different water temperatures, water movement, the feeling of being free, and the sounds and vision in and around the swimming pool. Just being in the water is relaxing and exhilarating at the same time. People with spastic conditions become more relaxed with less muscle tone when they are in warm water, while limp persons become more alert with high muscle tone when they feel the movement of the water…. Movement in the water seems effortless, muscles relax and mental tension fades away.”
Hydrogymnastics
Lasko and Knopf (1984) endorse rehabilitation exercises in the water. They use the term ‘hydrogymnastics’ to refer to a medically prescribed therapeutic exercise program performed in the water. In hydrogymnastics, the water is used as a therapeutic modality to habilitate individuals with disabilities: “Many people prefer Hydrogymnastic because it occurs in warm water (92-93 ℉). It is believed that warm water decreases pain and induces relation. With this decreased pain, many clients can see noticeable improvements in their range of motion.” Because water include the effective transfer of heart to the body, which in essence relieves pain and promotes relaxation due to thermal energy transfer (Lepore, Gayle, Stevens (2007).
Psychological benefits
Lepore, Gayle, Stevens (2007) state that “although water activities do not magically solve life’s problems, swimming enriches life and provides opportunities for increased morale and body image (Benedict & Freeman, 1993), improved mood (Berger & Owen, 1992) and decreased depression (Stein & Motta, 1992).”
For individuals with disabilities, an empty wheelchair or a pair of crutches left on the pool deck means freedom of movement and a feeling of success, which enhance self-image.
Attitudes to sport and exercise are important. If a competitor wishes to succeed then he has to develop an element of aggression in order to win. The correct spirit will make him do his best (Kay Lotto 1981).
Physiological benefits
Review on different journals and articles indicated that swimming activities give youngsters and adults opportunities and experiences not possible in any other environment. Buoyancy and ease of movement in water occur because:
§ Reduced gravity, - Gravity does not pose the same problem in water as it does on land, hence individuals with severe motor impairment may find it easier to perform in water;
§ Less weight on joints;
§ Less strength needed for movement;
§ Easy attainment of the independent standing position;
Physical benefits of regular swimming activity as follows:
§ Helping to develop the stability needed to learn skills for locomotion and object control (Horvat, Forbus, & Van Kirk, 1987 cited in Lepore 2007 p.16);
§ Improving balance, gait, endurance, agility, coordination and flexibility are the reported results of water activities to quality of life by increasing the ability to perform regular daily activities with greater ease and efficiency (Kay latto 1981; Moon 1990; Schleien 1993; and Lepore 2007);
§ Strengthening of heart muscles influenced heart activity, blood circulation, and decrease blood pressure to reduce the risk of heart disease;
§ Strengthening lung capacity and expansion of chest cavity can help improve breath control and cardio-respiratory fitness.
Social benefits
A quality aquatics (Swimming) program can facilitate social and emotional benefits in addition to physical wellness (Benedict & Freeman, 1993; Berger & Owen, 1992; Stein & Motta, 1992 cited in Lepore, Gayle and Stevens 2007). Additionally, it provides a form of exercise that is perceived as relaxing and socially acceptable; it can be carried over to other functional activities, and creates lifelong skills, independence, and feelings of accomplishment. Other benefits include reduced stress, improved mood, and decreased depression.
Peer relationship
Recreational (Swimming) activities are the most natural in which to promote and support positive social interactions and even friendships between people and without disabilities (Moon1994); it offer opportunities for meeting other people both on and off the field can inspire loyalty and extend the scope of personal contacts and friendships. Sport provides a topic for conversation, therefore improving prospects of communication and assist in developing more positive attitudes and acceptance of individual differences (Kay latto 1981).
Biological benefits
Biological effects of immersion in water up to the chest or higher can improved lymphatic compression, venous compression, increased central blood volume, increased cardiac volume, increased oxygen delivery, increased blood flow, offloading of body weight, decreased joint compression with movement (Lepore, Gayle and Stevens 2007).
As Marg Caspo pointed in ‘Water learning and swimming for the severely handicapped’, the increasing number of reports on successful swimming instruction of severely handicapped indicated that a growing number of students are effectively participating in water learning. Some may learn to swim before they learn to crawl or walk.
Therapeutic Benefits of swimming
Children with a general lack of muscular developmental and coordination, those with epilepsy, cerebral palsy, hearing impairment, spinal bifida, osteogenesis imperfect, have been shown to develop the needed muscular control in water (Richard, 1980 cited in Jansma, 1993 pp.288). Its cushioning effects provide support for weak limbs and breaks falls. Its greater resistance to movement result in stronger kinesthetic and propioceptive feedback, a stronger sense of where the body is and what the body does, and helps to tone muscles (Buis & Schane, 1980 cited in Jansma, 1993 pp.288). When PWD require sensory stimulation, water can be an important part of therapy (Lepore, Gayle, Stevens (2007).
Lian and Goyette (1998) describe the therapeutic benefits of swimming as follow:
“Water provides plenty of sensory stimulation, such as different water temperatures, water movement, the feeling of being free, and the sounds and vision in and around the swimming pool. Just being in the water is relaxing and exhilarating at the same time. People with spastic conditions become more relaxed with less muscle tone when they are in warm water, while limp persons become more alert with high muscle tone when they feel the movement of the water…. Movement in the water seems effortless, muscles relax and mental tension fades away.”
Hydrogymnastics
Lasko and Knopf (1984) endorse rehabilitation exercises in the water. They use the term ‘hydrogymnastics’ to refer to a medically prescribed therapeutic exercise program performed in the water. In hydrogymnastics, the water is used as a therapeutic modality to habilitate individuals with disabilities: “Many people prefer Hydrogymnastic because it occurs in warm water (92-93 ℉). It is believed that warm water decreases pain and induces relation. With this decreased pain, many clients can see noticeable improvements in their range of motion.” Because water include the effective transfer of heart to the body, which in essence relieves pain and promotes relaxation due to thermal energy transfer (Lepore, Gayle, Stevens (2007).
Psychological benefits
Lepore, Gayle, Stevens (2007) state that “although water activities do not magically solve life’s problems, swimming enriches life and provides opportunities for increased morale and body image (Benedict & Freeman, 1993), improved mood (Berger & Owen, 1992) and decreased depression (Stein & Motta, 1992).”
For individuals with disabilities, an empty wheelchair or a pair of crutches left on the pool deck means freedom of movement and a feeling of success, which enhance self-image.
Attitudes to sport and exercise are important. If a competitor wishes to succeed then he has to develop an element of aggression in order to win. The correct spirit will make him do his best (Kay Lotto 1981).
Physiological benefits
Review on different journals and articles indicated that swimming activities give youngsters and adults opportunities and experiences not possible in any other environment. Buoyancy and ease of movement in water occur because:
§ Reduced gravity, - Gravity does not pose the same problem in water as it does on land, hence individuals with severe motor impairment may find it easier to perform in water;
§ Less weight on joints;
§ Less strength needed for movement;
§ Easy attainment of the independent standing position;
Physical benefits of regular swimming activity as follows:
§ Helping to develop the stability needed to learn skills for locomotion and object control (Horvat, Forbus, & Van Kirk, 1987 cited in Lepore 2007 p.16);
§ Improving balance, gait, endurance, agility, coordination and flexibility are the reported results of water activities to quality of life by increasing the ability to perform regular daily activities with greater ease and efficiency (Kay latto 1981; Moon 1990; Schleien 1993; and Lepore 2007);
§ Strengthening of heart muscles influenced heart activity, blood circulation, and decrease blood pressure to reduce the risk of heart disease;
§ Strengthening lung capacity and expansion of chest cavity can help improve breath control and cardio-respiratory fitness.
Social benefits
A quality aquatics (Swimming) program can facilitate social and emotional benefits in addition to physical wellness (Benedict & Freeman, 1993; Berger & Owen, 1992; Stein & Motta, 1992 cited in Lepore, Gayle and Stevens 2007). Additionally, it provides a form of exercise that is perceived as relaxing and socially acceptable; it can be carried over to other functional activities, and creates lifelong skills, independence, and feelings of accomplishment. Other benefits include reduced stress, improved mood, and decreased depression.
Peer relationship
Recreational (Swimming) activities are the most natural in which to promote and support positive social interactions and even friendships between people and without disabilities (Moon1994); it offer opportunities for meeting other people both on and off the field can inspire loyalty and extend the scope of personal contacts and friendships. Sport provides a topic for conversation, therefore improving prospects of communication and assist in developing more positive attitudes and acceptance of individual differences (Kay latto 1981).
Biological benefits
Biological effects of immersion in water up to the chest or higher can improved lymphatic compression, venous compression, increased central blood volume, increased cardiac volume, increased oxygen delivery, increased blood flow, offloading of body weight, decreased joint compression with movement (Lepore, Gayle and Stevens 2007).
