Effects of a Movement and Swimming Program on Water Orientation Skills and Self-Concept of Kindergarten Children with Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

In this study the effect of an experimental movement and swimming program of six months on motor function in the water measured by means of the Water Orientation Score and self-perception measured by means of the Martinek-Zaich-kowsky Self-concept Scale was investigated. 23 children participated in the program, completing both tests prior to and after the intervention. An age-, sex-, and disability-matched control group of 23 children completed only the Self-concept Scale at pre-and posttest. Analysis indicated a significant improvement in Water Orientation Score of children in the trained group, but no effect on scores of the Self-concept Scale.