Hydrotherapy for Rett syndrome

Objective: The effects of hydrotherapy on an 11-year-old girl with stage III Rett syndrome were investigated. Methods: The Halliwick method was used to apply hydrotherapy in a swimming pool twice a week for 8 weeks. The girl's physical abilities were assessed 3 times: before and 5 minutes after a single hydrotherapy session and after 8 weeks of hydrotherapy. The tests included analysis of stereotypical movements, functional hand use, hand skills, gait and balance, hyperactive behaviour, communication and social interaction. Results: Immediately after hydrotherapy, stereotypical movements decreased and this decrease continued during the following 8 weeks. The girl's feeding activities and hand skills increased markedly. After 8 weeks of hydrotherapy, her walking balance was improved, interaction with her environment increased and hyperactive behaviour and anxiety decreased. Conclusion: In conclusion, after the application of hydrotherapy, stereotypical hand movements had decreased and purposeful hand functions and feeding skills increased in this case. Whether hydrotherapy has a positive effect on the functional use of the hand in Rett syndrome should be investigated using more subjects.