Exploring the Aquatic Environment for Disabled Children: How We Can Conceptualize and Advance Interventions With the ICF

The aquatic environment provides a unique venue in which children to have an opportunity to thrive. Given the distinct properties of water, swimming not only fosters physical activity but also provides therapeutic benefits for children with disabilities. Over the past decade there has been a substantial increase in the number of articles published on pediatric aquatic interventions. As indicated by the diversity of participants, the various types of aquatic programs, and the 14 new publications that have not yet been synthesized within the literature, it is evident that there is a need to integrate and disseminate the current status of the pediatric aquatics literature. This article explores the findings from a recent scoping review and promotes the utility of the World Health Organization's 2001 International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) as a framework to advance the aquatics field. Specifically, we explore the use of the ICF to address 3 recurring issues within the pediatric aquatics literature: (1) limited descriptions of the aquatic environment; (2) heterogeneity of studies; and (3) variety of outcome measures. It is hoped that future research will adopt the ICF as a conceptual framework to develop and guide the reporting of aquatic interventions.