Improving water competency among children on the autism spectrum: the AquOTic randomized controlled trial
Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Clinical Trial
Abstract: Introduction There is a critical need for evidence-based and manualized interventions targeting water competency including swim and water safety skills tailored to meet the needs of children on the autism spectrum, a group that is at a high risk of drowning. This study examined the efficacy of AquOTic—a 10-week occupational therapy-based aquatic intervention to improve water competency among children on the autism spectrum. Methods A total of 37 children on the autism spectrum (ages 5–9 years) were randomized to a waitlist control group (n = 24) or AquOTic intervention group (n = 37; 28 males). Blinded assessors administered the standardized Water Orientation Test-Alyn (WOTA) 1 and 2 and a Swim Skills Checklist to all participants pre- and post-AquOTic/control. Repeated measures mixed effects models were used to examine intervention effects. Results Average WOTA 1 scores increased significantly after participants received AquOTic (Δ = 5.7; 95% CI: 3.7–7.8;p < 0.001), and average WOTA 2 scores increased significantly after participants received AquOTic (Δ = 9.0; 95% CI: 5.7–12.3;p < 0.001). Average swim skills increased significantly after participants received AquOTic (Δ = 7.6; 95% CI: 5.3, 10.0;p < 0.001). Conclusion Our results highlight the efficacy of AquOTic to improve water competency among children on the autism spectrum. Further research is needed to examine long-term effects, dosage requirements to achieve water competency, and the impact of aquatic therapy on other health outcomes. Clinical Trials Registration clinicaltrials.gov , NCT05524753.
Source: Frontiers in Pediatrics
Institution: The Ohio State University
Language: English
Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,295
Awards: G715451306, G7820408181
OpenAlex ID: W4403201951