Document Type

Thesis - NSU Access Only

Title

What are the Benefits and Perceptions of Physical Therapists About Aquatic Physical Therapy?

Authors

Douglas K. Reed, Nova Southeastern University

Degree Name

Master of Physical Therapy (MPT)

Copyright Statement

All rights reserved. This publication is intended for use solely by faculty, students, and staff of Nova Southeastern University. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, now known or later developed, including but not limited to photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author or the publisher.

Department

College of Health Care Sciences - Physical Therapy Department

Publication Date / Copyright Date

1998

Publisher

Nova Southeastern University

NSUWorks Citation

Douglas K. Reed. 1998. What are the Benefits and Perceptions of Physical Therapists About Aquatic Physical Therapy?. Master's thesis. Nova Southeastern University. Retrieved from NSUWorks, College of Health Care Sciences - Physical Therapy Department. (170)
https://nsuworks.nova.edu/hpd_pt_stuetd/170.

Abstract

Purpose: To describe the opinions of licensed physical therapists about Aquatic Physical Therapy (APT). To determine if instruction of Aquatic Physical Therapy at the college level can influence the perceived effectiveness and rate of referral to Aquatic Therapy in the future.

Subjects: 300 surveys were mailed to licensed physical therapists in Palm Beach County, Florida.

Methods: A 22 question survey including demographic data was used in this study. The measure variables included whether the therapist was instructed in Aquatic Therapy in college, whether APT should be instructed in college, factors affecting the rate of referral to APT, and the perceived effectiveness and benefiting patient populations were measured.

Results: Frequencies were obtained for all survey questions and demographics. Cross tabulations were conducted between whether the therapist had been instructed in college on the techniques and uses of APT, whether the therapist felt it should be taught in college, if the therapist had referred patients to APT in the past, and whether the therapist believed APT was an effective form of treatment, compared to land based therapy.

Conclusion: There is no significant correlation between whether therapists were instructed in APT in college, and their belief that it should be taught in college, their rate of referrals to APT, and its perceived effectiveness compared to land based therapy.

Disciplines

Physical Therapy