SUPPORTED WATER WALKING
Provide very low-impact, supported gait practice in water for children and adolescents with significant mobility limitations.
How to Perform
- Position the child in waist-to-chest deep water, standing close to the pool wall with both hands resting on it and a large noodle under the arms for added support.
- Ask the child to gently tighten the abdominal muscles and stand as tall as possible while keeping both feet flat on the pool floor.
- Guide the child to take a small step forward with one foot while the other foot remains stable, then bring the back foot forward to meet it.
- Continue with slow, short steps along the pool wall, allowing frequent pauses to re-balance and encouraging relaxed breathing.
- Turn the child safely at the wall and repeat the supported walking for a short distance or time as tolerated.
Key Execution Cues
Remember: Keep steps small and slow, maintain light pressure on the
wall and noodle, and encourage upright posture with calm, steady breathing.
Safety & Precautions
Important: Use extreme caution with uncontrolled seizures, severe
cardiorespiratory instability, or open wounds; ensure close hands-on support for
children with very poor balance.
Additional Safety Notes: Remain within arm’s reach at all times, stay in a non-slippery area of the pool, and stop immediately if the child shows signs of fear, dizziness, or pain.
Exercise Modifications
Make it Harder (Progressions)
Gradually reduce hand support on the wall, increase the distance walked, or encourage slightly larger steps while maintaining safety.
Make it Easier (Regressions)
Decrease walking distance, allow continuous two-hand support on the wall and firm therapist support at the trunk or hand.