Abstract
Cerebral Palsy (CP) is the most common childhood disability including impaired balance and posture caused by atypical brain development. Children with CP have impaired gross motor skills and are treated by a multidisciplinary team to holistically address their impairments and improve their quality of life. Aquatic therapy, or water therapy, is one intervention that can be completed by the physical or occupational therapy practitioner to address the motor impairments of the child with CP. The purpose of this paper was to clinically appraise the literature regarding the effectiveness of aquatic therapy intervention on improving motor function of children diagnosed with CP. The inclusion criteria for this literature search included individuals diagnosed with CP who participated in an intervention plan that incorporated aquatic therapy, Level 1A, 1B, Level 2A, and Level 2B articles, those in the pediatric population, and articles published within the last 10 years. The exclusion criteria included articles that did not meet the inclusion criteria. Results of this appraisal proved aquatic therapy has the following effect on children with spastic CP: Aquatic therapy is a sound alternative treatment for children with CP of all GMFCS levels, aids in inhibiting spasticity in the extremities, improves the scores of gross motor function, and improves quality of life.