DIRECTIONAL WATER WALKING
Challenge gait control, coordination, and balance in multiple directions for children and adolescents with moderate mobility.
How to Perform
- Stand in chest-deep water with feet hip-width apart and arms slightly out to the sides for balance.
- Walk forward across the pool using a steady heel-to-toe pattern for a set distance.
- Turn and walk backward to the starting point, placing toes down first and lightly sweeping feet along the floor.
- Next, perform sideways walking in both directions, stepping out with the lead leg and bringing the trailing leg in without crossing the feet.
- Repeat the forward, backward, and sideways sequence for several cycles at a comfortable but brisk pace.
Key Execution Cues
Remember: Maintain a tall posture with eyes looking ahead, keep
steps light and quick rather than heavy, and engage the core to stay stable during
direction changes.
Safety & Precautions
Important: Use caution with severe balance deficits or frequent
falls; adjust speed and range for children with pain or spasticity.
Additional Safety Notes: Ensure clear space around the child, avoid slippery areas or slopes in the pool, and provide close supervision during backward and sideways walking.
Exercise Modifications
Make it Harder (Progressions)
Increase the walking distance and pace, add gentle arm patterns against the water, or introduce short diagonal paths.
Make it Easier (Regressions)
Shorten the distance, slow down the pace, or perform only forward and sideways walking while staying close to the wall.