The benefits of aquatic therapy as determined by a Pairwise Thematic Content Analysis of the peer-reviewed journals in therapeutic recreation

Abstract

Aquatic therapy is an intervention commonly used by recreational therapists. This study used a pairwise content analysis of the American Journal of Recreation Therapy, the American Therapeutic Recreation Association's Annual in Therapeutic Recreation, and the Therapeutic Recreation Journal from 2003-2014 in order to determine the benefits of aquatic therapy. Many articles reviewed used a repeated measure analysis, or pre- and post-test evaluation to measure physiological benefits, leisure satisfaction, quality of life, self-efficacy, and pain. The three most common populations studied include: arthritis, autism spectrum disorder, and multiple sclerosis.