Efficacy of an Aquatic Exercise Program for 3 Cases of Rett Syndrome.

PURPOSE: To examine functional, physiological effects of participating in an aquatic exercise program by 3 girls, diagnosed with Rett syndrome (RS), to explore areas for possible new research.

SUMMARY OF KEY POINTS: RS is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder, which causes multiple disabilities and serious impairments in neuromotor and cognitive abilities. Three girls (4, 6, and 7 years), diagnosed stage III RS, participated in 20 months of aquatic exercise, with individually tailored, full body exercises, progressively targeting functional, cardiorespiratory, muscle, and flexibility training. Assessments included resting and exercise heart rates, anthropometric measures, functional, clinical aspects, and psychosocial abilities.

CONCLUSIONS

The participants improved functional ability, mood status, relations with family and schoolmates, joint mobility, muscle strength, and endurance during functional activities. Periodic evaluation of exercise heart rates averaged an increase in intensity of 33% above baseline, indicating cardiorespiratory stimulus. This pilot program provides clinical rationale for future studies and clinical interventions for RS children.