Daniel

Ruiz
Lei 4724
Activity Title: Swimming
Source: Swimming - Disabled Sports USA. (n.d.). Retrieved September 09, 2016, from
http://www.disabledsportsusa.org/sport/swimming/?gclid=CjwKEAjwu8m-
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Equipment: The boat, clothing, floating devices, goggles.

Activity Description:
1. According to disable sports USA, swimming offers many benefits including
strengthening the cardiovascular systems and the major muscle groups of both the
upper and lower body.
2. It also develops flexibility in the muscles and joints as the swimmer performs a
wide range of motion against the waters resistance.
3. For some people with disabilities, water may be the only environment in which
they can achieve physical independence (Campion, 2016).

Leadership considerations: According to Ellen Broach, formal instruction in the

following techniques is needed for TR specialists to provide effective services. Aquatic
Therapy and Rehabilitation Industry Certification (ATRIC) through the International
Council for Aquatic Therapy and Rehabilitation Industry, Aquatic Exercise Association
instructor certification, Arthritis Aquatic instructor certification, and Multiple Sclerosis
instructor certification, in addition to basic aquatic therapy training, are recommended for
TR specialists providing aquatic therapy services (Broach, 2016).

Adaptations: Participants with arthritis: One of the adaptations used in swimming for
participant with arthritis could be Ai Chi. According to Ellen Broach aquatic therapy, Ai
Chi, was developed in Japan by Jun Konno, is a water exercise and relaxation
progression program designed to increase relaxation, range of motion, and mobility
(Konno & Sova, 1996). Ai Chi combines Tai Chi concepts with Shiatsu and Watsu
techniques. It is performed standing in shoulder-deep water using a combination of deep
breathing and slow, full movements of lower and upper extremities and torso.
Specifically, progression begins with deep breathing, followed by incorporating upper
extremity movement, with trunk movements, and lower extremity movement. Among
other outcomes, Ai Chi may be an ideal approach to use with patients who are in pain,
who need more awareness of their own movements through space, who want to improve
balance or who seek the benefits of a meditation practice (Broach, 2016). Although this
activity is perform in pools during sailing it can be modified to have participants
engaging during sailing activities.
.
Participants with Multiple sclerosis: During swimming another modification that can
be use is Aqua Stretch. According to Ellen Broach AquaStretch is a form of individual
and facilitated aquatic technique, which may be used in wellness programs and also as an
aquatic therapy (Eversaul, 2014). Aqua stretch is used to reduce pain and improve
movement. Theoretically, the process breaks down fascial adhesions that inhibit
flexibility or may cause muscle tension and pain (Broach 2016).