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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Bumin
Gonca
G
School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Hacettepe University, TR-06100 Samanpazari, Ankara, Turkey. gbumin@hacettepe.edu.tr
Uyanik
Mine
M
Yilmaz
Ilker
I
Kayihan
Hülya
H
Topçu
Meral
M
D000293:Adolescent; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006225:Hand / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D006875:Hydrotherapy; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology; D015518:Rett Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology