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swimming

DEAF, BLIND, DEAFBLIND

BLIND ADAPTATIONS

For a client who is blind, it would help for him or her to have

boundaries to swim in.

 

Ex: he/she can swim laps along the wall, or can swim in a lane that is roped off. This will help the client swim in a

straight line.

It is also important for the client to know when to stop, so he or she does not hit the wall at the end. Someone can sit at the end of the pool, with an arm stretched out, so that they can touch the shoulder of the swimmer to alert him/her that he/she is approaching the wall.

 

A sound device can also be used.

 

Ex: a speaker playing music, or a beeper.

Make sure the client knows the size of the pool. Walk them the

perimeter of the pool if that is what he/she wants. `

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When teaching different swim strokes, allow the client to feel how

you are performing the stroke, if he/she is comfortable with that.

INTELLECTUAL & NEUROLOGICAL

EPILEPSY ADAPTATIONS

Providing life jackets to those who have epilepsy is the first way to ensure the safety of the individual while swimming. In the event that they experience a seizure, they will stay afloat and less likely to swallow or inhale water. Most individuals with epilepsy will inform staff members of their condition, and what to do if they have a seizure. It would then be a priority of the staff to watch the individual during their time in the water.

DOWN SYNDROME ADAPTATIONS

Using kickboards is an effective way to teach individuals with Down Syndrome how to learn the swimming movement pattern. By putting the majority of their upper body weight on the board, individuals can focus on the kicking action. Other assistive devices include swimming paddles that allow individuals to mimic the closed cupping hand in swimming is also an option.

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS 

ADAPTATIONS

Weakness, numbness, and balance may present limitations in exercise for someone with Multiple Sclerosis.

 

Exercise in water is a great option as the water provides a gravity-free environment taking the stress off of the joints and muscles. Buoyancy in the water helps to support fatigued muscles. Exercising in water also decreases the risk of falling.

Exercise should focus on balance strength, range of motion, mobility, and aerobic endurance. This can involve walking, floating, swimming and a variety of other movements in the water.

 

This link shares a video of excellent exercises tailored to an individual with MS: https://aquatics.mymsaa.org/multimedia/aquatic-exercise-video/

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These are some considerations to take when working with an individual with Multiple Sclerosis in the water:

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  • Temperature is a major trigger for MS symptoms. Overheating during exercise is thus a large concern. The ideal water temperature for an individual with MS is 81-83 degrees according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

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  • Use equipment to tailor the workout to the individual. If the individual is feeling more fatigue in their legs that day allow them to use a pull buoy between their legs. This will assist them in adding buoyancy to their hips and giving their legs some rest.

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  • Fins are another equipment option that can be used to tailor the workout to the needs of the individual. If the individual is struggling more with arm strength that day allow them to use fins to give their arms a break.

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  • Starts for competitive swimming may be done from a seated position to avoid potential falls on the pool deck.

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MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY 

ADAPTATIONS

Swimming can be beneficial for individuals with muscular dystrophy, even when symptoms advance. Warm water can relax muscles, and the buoyancy of the water makes swimming low-impact, toning an individuals' muscles without the added stress of gravity.

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In addition, the water's nearly weightless effect provides a feeling of freedom (there is no danger of falling) to move in ways they may not be able to on land.

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  • Fins can be utilized to help with body position in the water. Fins can vary in their length; longer fins provide more propulsion forward and increase resistance.

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  • Pull buoys can be also be used to aid with body position in the water. They can bring pressure off the legs and allow for the upper body to be focused on. Other floatation devices for beginner swimmers are noodles and swim fins. These more greatly affect swim stroke but are great to gain confidence in the water.

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  • For lower body focus, kickboards can be used. Individuals can also kick on their back in streamline position or with their hands by their sides.

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As with any cardiac activity, the heart rate should be monitored. Individuals should still be able to talk once they reach the wall. 20-40 minutes at a time of cardiac activity is recommended for individuals with muscular dystrophy.

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For the competition, starts can be a dive start from sitting or standing on the starting block, or in the water.

PHYSICAL DISABILITIES

CONSIDER FOR ALL

UPPER & LOWER

BODY AMPUTEES

Begin learning how to swim without your prosthetic with an assistive float device in order to build up the strength and movement patterns necessary to swim

 ADAPTATIONS

Even an activity as simple as floating in the water relieves pressure, improves circulatory functions, and eases joint discomfort.

 

For those without a waterproof prosthesis, the best way to spend time in the water is without prosthetic limb. This also relieves pressure on your skin, muscles, and joints. 

AUTISM

GENERAL ADAPTATIONS FOR 

SWIMMING CLASSES

PRIOPRIOCEPTION

 ADAPTATIONS

GENERAL ADAPTATIONS

FOR POOL

 

Communication:

  • Be consistent. Repetitive skill practice can enhance student learning.

 

  • Introduce change slowly. Do not bounce from one skill to the next, as it can be confusing. Spend time laying out a lesson that will benefit the child best and slowly introduce the changes or transitions.

  •  Engage with individual by using visual demonstrations

 

  • Ensure that you have a working chairlift to help individual have access of getting into water

  • Provide flotation devices/life jackets to help those who don’t know how to swim independently

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​​Have clearly marked lanes for individuals to swim in and orient their body in water

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