Document Type
Presentation
Publication Date
4-10-2026
Faculty Mentor
Cristina Reyes Smith
Abstract
Background: An acquired brain injury (ABI) can result in motor, cognitive, and emotional impairments that limit participation and quality of life in children and adolescents (Pappadis et al., 2023). Caregivers often report difficulty supporting recovery and promoting functional carryover following discharge (Pappadis et al., 2023). Aquatic therapy is an evidence-based intervention shown to improve mobility, balance, and activities of daily living following brain injury (Curcio et al., 2020). Access to pediatric aquatic occupational therapy remains limited in communities.
Purpose: This doctoral capstone project was completed in a community-based wellness setting. The purpose was to develop and implement a caregiver-guided adaptive aquatic toolkit to support participation, engagement, and functional carryover for children with an ABI. Project goals included identifying caregiver and clinician-reported challenges, developing and trialing the toolkit, and evaluating feasibility and effectiveness.
Methods: A mixed-methods approach was used, including a literature review and pre/post surveys distributed to pediatric occupational and physical therapists and caregivers. The toolkit was piloted with two pediatric participants with an ABI. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, and qualitative data was analyzed thematically.
Results: Pre-survey results from clinicians identified frequent challenges in attention, motor impairments, and motor planning for children with an ABI. Caregivers of pilot participants reported no prior access to aquatic therapy and low confidence in supporting carryover. Post-survey findings demonstrated strong agreement among clinicians that the toolkit supports carryover, aligns with occupational therapy goals, and is easy to implement. Caregivers reported improved child engagement, participation, and attention, as well as increased confidence in using aquatic strategies.
Conclusions: This project addresses a gap in access to pediatric aquatic occupational therapy and supports the use of a structured, play-based aquatic toolkit to improve participation and caregiver confidence.
Recommended Citation
Blincoe, Elizabeth J., "Through the GILLS: Translating Neurorehabilitation Principles into an Adaptive Aquatic Game and Caregiver Toolkit for Children and Adolescents with Acquired Brain Injuries" (2026). Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium. 106.
https://medica-musc.researchcommons.org/muscotd-elotd/106