Influence of aquatic stimulation on 0 to 18-month child development: a pilot study

Abstract

Human development involves biological and environment factors that interact in a dynamic and complex way throughout life. For some authors, the aquatic environment may offer several benefits to infantile development, but studies on the relationship between aquatic stimulation and typical development are scarce. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of a program of aquatic stimulation (a 50-minute session once a week during four to eight weeks) on the development of 12 children aged 0 to 18 months, with emphasis on motor development. Children were from middle class families, their mothers having high school or higher educational background. They were assessed before and after the program by two tests: Denver II, to assess global development, and the Alberta infant motor scale, to evaluate gross motor development. Data were statistically analysed. Results showed no significant score differences between tests applied before and after the program. Hence the program had no influence on children's development areas assessed. Although the aquatic environment offers the child many benefits, this study does not allow asserting that it favours infant development. Further studies must include a greater sample, longer lasting programs, and a control group.