Effectiveness of aquatic motor intervention on motor skills and adjusting to aquatic environments among toddlers with visual impairment: A pilot study

Problem Statement: Toddlers with visual impairment may face challenges in developing motor skills and adjusting to aquatic environments, potentially limiting their functional abilities in water-related activities such as swimming. Approach: In this pilot study, thirty-three toddlers with visual impairments aged 8 to 36 months were randomly divided into two groups: the intervention group received both 30 minutes of aquatic motor intervention and 30 minutes of physiotherapy sessions, once a week for 12 weeks, and the control group received only 30 minutes of physical therapy once a week for 12 weeks. The Peabody Developmental Motor Scales–2nd Edition (PDMS-2), Water Orientation Test ALYN1(WOTA1), and Preverbal Visual Assessment (PreViAs) were used. Purposes: This study aimed to assess the impact of physiotherapy and aquatic motor intervention on motor skills, adjustment, and water function among toddlers with visual impairment. Another goal was to investigate the relationship between motor skills, visual functions, and adjustment and functioning in water among toddlers with visual impairments. Results: Statistical analysis revealed a significant interaction between time and study group in motor skills and object manipulation. PDMS-2 total score [F=5.2, P<0.05] and Object manipulation [F=5.89, P<0.01] improved over time significantly among the intervention group compared to the control group. Additionally, the results demonstrated a significant improvement in the adjustment and function in water among toddlers with visual impairment. The analyses revealed a significant change in the intervention group [t(17) =8.62, P<0.01]. However, no significant correlation was found between change in PDMS-2 total score (M=13.54, SD=9.48) and change in WOTA1 score (M=7.05, SD=3.47) [r(16)=0.68, p>0.05]. Conclusions: This study underscores the effectiveness of combined physiotherapy and aquatic motor intervention in enhancing motor skills and facilitating adaptation to water environments for toddlers with visual impairment. These findings advocate for the integration of such interventions into early intervention programs to better support the developmental needs of toddlers with visual impairments.