Beginner / 3-hour Workshop

FACULTY: Jen Knott, CTRS

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

With the growing number of individuals being diagnosed with autism, we will explore the increased need for therapeutic modalities that target the sensory, communication, motor planning and overall physical fitness needs these individuals experience across their lifespan. The course will demonstrate the process to determine need for services, sample goals, adaptations, behavior analysis, and a wide variety of activities that can be applied in the aquatic setting.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

1)  Identify 5 behavioral supports that can be utilized in the water for individuals with autism.

2)  Outline the importance of physical fitness, increased motor planning abilities, and swimming skills for individuals with autism.

3)  List the benefits of completing therapeutic sessions in the water versus on land for individuals with autism.

4)  Identify activities that target the motor planning, sensory integration, body awareness, gross motor skills, balance, and overall physical fitness needs.

5)  Set goals and plan activities with case studies of individuals with autism.

Beginner / 4-hour Pool Workshop

Faculty:  Steph Toogood, AS

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Investigate the factors that affect age-related loss of function resulting in frailty. Maintaining independence means addressing a multitude of factors. Review the diverse physiological components and learn to design an exercise prescription that includes training variables. Pool lab includes exercises for balance and fall prevention, gait, and simple exercises to imitate sit-to-stand. Experience multi tri-planar movement that translates to more functional ADLs.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

1)  Identify the factors that affect age-related loss of function.

2)  Match movement with physiological weaknesses for improvement in ADLs.

3)  Design multi-dimensional exercise to increase stride length and add power to gait.

4)  Experience the skill practices required for ME/CV/flexibility and balance gains.

Beginner / 1-hour Lecture

Faculty: Sue Grosse, MS

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Develop a repertoire of therapeutic techniques appropriate for children and adults with autism spectrum conditions. Explore behavioral manifestations while learning how to focus attention, engage social contact, and facilitate environmental interaction. Water is an extremely beneficial environment for an individual with an autism spectrum disorder. This workshop will provide safe and creative ways to maximize the potential of this environment.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

• Examine the six behavior manifestations of autism spectrum disorders.
• Develop skill in recognizing autism spectrum behaviors.
• Participate in over a dozen different activities designed to reduce autism spectrum behaviors in the aquatic environment.
• Engage in activities designed to focus attention, increase social interaction, and improve environmental interaction.
• Obtain additional resources on autism spectrum disorders.

Beginner / 1-hour Lecture

Faculty: Mary Wykle, PhD, ATRIC

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Injured Soldiers and athletes expect an aggressive and higher standard of therapy than the average patient or client. The type of injury dictates the appropriate protocol and few have simple and/or one basic injury.  Understanding the patient’s abilities before injury, time in recovery, goals, and functional level is basic to developing a challenging rehabilitation program specific to their needs.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:  

     1) Discover the prevailing complexities of injuries currently being seen.

     2) Determine goals common to this population.

     3) Establish parameters of care with expected outcomes.

     4) Evaluate progress.

Intermediate / 8-hour Workshop

Faculty:  Sue Grosse, MS; and Ann Wieser, PhD

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Aquatic engagement can provide many benefits for individuals with severe multiple disabilities. This workshop will explore the types of therapeutic aquatic interventions appropriate for four different age group categories of individuals who have a severe physical disability in combination with another disability. Age groups included are birth to age 3, age 3 through age 6, age 6 through age 12, and age 12 through adult. Safety precautions, handling techniques, and equipment usage, will be considered in addition to specific interventions. Focus will be on activities to capitalize on an individual’s strengths, support development of improved physical and cognitive functioning, while developing and maintaining physical fitness. Communication skills, relaxation, and focus of attention will also be included.

Intermediate Level – Participants should already have background in disability definitions and disability specific terminology.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

1. Define the disability category of “severe multiple”.
2. Identify differences in treatment goals and objectives for four different age groups of individuals with severe disabilities.
3. Explore at least three different treatment protocols for each age group of individuals.
4. Examine safety precautions for individuals in each age group of individuals.

Intermediate / 3-hour Workshop

Faculty: Melissa Lewis, MPT, ATRIC

COURSE DESCRIPTION: The course will provide an overview of types of injuries involved with the poly-trauma population. Examine the development of aquatic therapy programs for this population. Stages of healing, complications, contraindications/precautions, safety procedures, and development of exercise protocols will also be discussed during the presentation.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

1. Examine the stages of healing.
2. Assess precautions for the poly-trauma population.
3. Determine safety procedures to follow specific to this population.
4. Design an aquatic therapy program for the rehab client based on individual limitations/precautions and goals.

Intermediate / 2-hour Workshop

Faculty: Connie Jasinskas, MSc

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This session will address the physical and emotional issues involved with breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, including how these relate to aquatic rehabilitation and training. We will discuss and practice aquatic training techniques to decrease brachial lymphedema, restore functional range of motion, build strength, and encourage a healthy, positive outcome for people who have experienced breast cancer.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

1)  Describe physical and emotional issues related to breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.

2)  List benefits of aquatic exercise for this population, including enhanced lymphatic drainage, restoration of functional ROM of affected limb(s), maintenance or enhancement of muscular strength and endurance of affected segments as well as the whole person.

3)  Experience a typical post-breast cancer aquatic rehabilitation/training session.

4)  Consider teaching strategies to optimize performance and healthy outcomes for this population.

Intermediate / 1-hour Lecture

Faculty: Douglas Gil, MS, PT

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This presentation will give you new ideas to use with your athletes and weekend warriors. In Brazil, we have some different ideas for athletic rehab – from concussions to neuromuscular injuries. We will show video examples of how the Brazilian Aquatic Therapy team is treating different sports injuries. Various protocols will be explained.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

1) Demonstrate sport rehabilitation treatment techniques.

2) Explore the examples and thought behind various protocols.

3) Examine the reason for the Brazilian Aquatic Therapy plan.

Intermediate / 15.0 credit hours

Part 1:

Classroom Viewing Time: 3.5 hours

Pool Viewing Time: 3 hours

Classroom Viewing Time: 1.5 hours

Part 2:

Pool Viewing Time: 2 hours

Classroom Viewing Time: 1 hour

Pool Viewing Time: 2 hours

Classroom Viewing Time: 2 hours

Faculty: Mary Wykle, PhD, ATRIC / David Berry, PhD, AT, ATC, ATRIC / Marty Biondi, PT, DPT, CSCS / Sandy Stoub, MA

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

The rapid growth of the aging population (age 50+) presents unprecedented opportunity for those who understand how to help these clients effectively. This comprehensive and innovative two-day Geriatric Specialty Certificate featuring six experts in this area is just what you need to become an expert in functional training for mature adults. Whether you conduct private therapy sessions, small-group trainings or group fitness classes, the techniques learned in this valuable certificate will serve you and your clients for years to come.

The Geriatric Specialty Certificate offers and identifies: 

Aging process concepts 

Research supporting the use of aquatic therapy

Detailed programming of activities for balance, pain, gait and confidence

Maintaining or regaining independence

Restoring and improving function and increasing mobility for better strength and balance

Geriatric syndromes

Fall prevention progressions

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

• Define the process of aging, the accepted definition based on definitive guidelines, and resultant outcomes.
• Review the literature supporting aging and physical activity and the importance of aquatic therapy.
• Explain the difference between arthritis and osteoarthritis and how aquatic exercise and rehabilitation affects lifestyle and activity.
• Examine the statistical impairment as a result of falls, spinal/back pain, and importance of why and how to improve or delay the impact of balance challenges

FACULTY: Mary Wykle, PhD, ATRIC, presents for ATRI and AEA. Course development includes aquatic re-conditioning programs for the Army and USMC. Additional programs include Aqua Pi-Yo-Chi™, Core Stabilization and Safety Training. Aquatic recognitions include: AEA Global Award for Lifetime Achievement (2010); ISHOF Adapted Aquatics Award (2007); ATRI Aquatic Professional of the Year (2006); ATRI Tsunami Spirit Award (2004) and ATRI Dolphin Award (2002).

David Berry, PhD, AT, ATC, ATRIC, is a Professor, Athletic Training Program Director at SVSU, and author (Emergency Trauma Management for Athletic Trainers). He serves as an active member of the Board of Certification, American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Committee, and the Sports Education Council (Michigan Cardiovascular Institute) educating the community and professionals on emergency planning and sudden cardiac awareness.

Marty Biondi, PT, DPT, CSCS, provides physical therapy at several clinics in the Chicago area, including Therapeutic & Wellness Specialists, Lake Forest Place, and Sennogroup Rehabilitation and Wellness. She is responsible for all aspects of patient care with a varied patient load that includes orthopedic and complex neurological as the primary diagnoses. She has been involved in various aspects of aquatics for over 30 years including pool administration, design and program implementation, risk management, and as a physical therapist using water to treat various diagnoses.

With degrees in Exercise Science and Gerontology, Sandy Stoub, MA, blends education with over 30 years of experience in her role as Director of Wellness Services for Symbria Rehab. She is an adjunct professor, author, international conference speaker, and has a diverse background in development and implementation of programming for persons of all ages, with particular emphasis in aging

Intermediate / 4-hour Workshop

Faculty: Mary Wykle, PhD, ATRIC

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is the result of program development for the US Army and successful use with aquatic physical therapy sessions. The program is now being adopted by the Marine Corps. The original goal of the aquatic exercise program was to provide aquatic training for wounded warriors equal to the intensity of a land physical training program. It became apparent from the surveys in the Army’s Performance Improvement Study that many wounded military will never be able to fully participate in physical training/formation running with their unit or as a personal fitness activity. The programs discussed in the Aquatic Programs for Injured Warriors and Athletes are appropriate for injured military members, veterans, and athletes in the process of recovery; as a means to cross-train; and for anyone wanting to improve their fitness.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

1)  Identify the complexities of injuries and how to challenge healing and acceptance through aquatic exercise.

2)  Determine the primary emphases and ways to adapt exercises of the Aquatic Rehab Program for Injured Warriors and Athletes.

3)  Practice the three primary parts of the exercise program – cardio, strength, flexibility.

4)  Develop session outlines applicable to your facility.

Intermediate / 3-hour Course
Faculty: Camella Nair, Swami, C-IAYT

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Healthy pelvic floor function as the body ages is vital to reduce stress, improve breathing, and sustain continence. Validate how aging men who do pelvic floor muscle exercises pre-surgery have improved outcomes, and improvements can be experienced in women after having children or going through menopause who may suffer organ prolapse. Learn how a hypertonic/hypotonic pelvic floor can cultivate erroneous breathing patterns which can lead to stress and pain. We will review the musculoskeletal structure of the pelvic floor and analyze some common pathologies along with research in this field. We will investigate and practice some yoga therapy interventions and develop a greater awareness of the pelvic floor that we can apply on a personal level and also recommend to clients/students. We will also explore how application in the water may improve the outcome.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:
1) Explore and classify the pelvic floor on a personal level.
2) Review the function of the pelvic floor and current yoga therapy research.
3) Examine how aging, gravity, and life circumstances can affect the pelvic floor.
4) Evaluate hypotonic versus hypertonic pelvic floor and what that means.
5) Distinguish how breath can inform and ultimately contribute to a more functional pelvic floor.
6) Practice yoga therapy protocol for self-clarification and validate possible recommendations for clients/students.

FACULTY: Camella Nair, Swami, C-IAYT, is one of the few ordained female Swamis currently teaching in the Kriya Lineage. It is an unbroken line of gurus dating back thousands of years. She pioneered Aqua Kriya Yoga 20 years ago and travels to certify teachers in this field. As a female disciple, she authored “Prenatal Kriya Yoga” which is a mystical journey into pregnancy and motherhood. A registered Yoga Therapist and Prenatal Yoga Alliance registered teacher, she has a comprehensive online home-study in prenatal yoga at www.prenatalkriyayoga.com.

Advanced / 3.0 credit hours
(Classroom Viewing Time: 2 hours / Pool Viewing Time: 1 hour)

Faculty: David Berry, PhD, AT, ATC, ATRIC
 

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Some form of rest is often the treatment recommendation for an injured athlete. The rest may be relative rest, in which the athlete reduces the intensity of training or activity, or it may be absolute rest, during which the athlete performs no activity. In either case, rest for an athlete can be problematic. The research of Coyle et al. (1986 and 1984) showed that a significant decline in cardiovascular fitness can result from as little as 3 weeks of inactivity. A 14 to 16% decline in maximal oxygen consumption has been documented after 6 weeks of rest (Coyle et al., 1986 and 1984). Given that 3 to 6 weeks is not an inordinately long period and certainly within the realm of the time needed for recovery from a musculoskeletal injury, the loss of cardiovascular fitness needs to be considered. An athlete may rehabilitate an acute injury only to find that he or she returns to the sport with a significant loss of conditioning. Fortunately, the aquatic environment can help to mitigate some, if not all, of the potential fitness loss.

Athletes who are recovering from an injury or surgery can stay fit by doing water-based strengthening, stretching, proprioceptive, and sport-specific exercises. For the athlete, specificity of training is an important element to maximizing the application of fitness. Athletes who participate in sports that involve running could benefit from either shallow- or deep-water running, depending on weight-bearing limitations. Cardiovascular training includes deep-water running, cross-country skiing, kicking with or without fins, and interval training. A symmetrical floatation device may help some patients. Resistive training for the upper extremities includes swimming and flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and internal and external rotation exercises. Lower-extremity exercises include vertical kicking, squats while standing on a flotation board, and various jumping drills. Many exercises already mentioned strengthen the core body; other exercises for this purpose include side-of-the-pool leg lifts and trunk rotations with arms extended. Exercises for balance and proprioception include single-leg balancing on the injured leg while pushing and pulling on a kickboard or rotating the upper trunk. Examples of sport-specific exercise are jumping drills for volleyball or basketball players and bat swinging for a baseball player.

The session will examine the current scientific evidence for, application of and effects of aquatic based training for the athletic population. 

COURSE OBJECTIVES:
1) Identify the phases of an athletic rehabilitation program, especially as it relates to the aquatic environment.
2) Assess basic common athletic skills and the use of water progressions to improve these skills.
3) Plan a comprehensive conditioning program utilizing aquatic techniques.
4) Utilize land-to-water techniques throughout the rehabilitation progression.
5) Implement various exercises with minimal or no equipment using a logical and safe progression for various levels of athletic abilities.
6) Differentiate between the elite athlete and the “weekend warrior” with respect to rehabilitation and the relationship of dose, intensity and frequency with return to sport.
7) Examine current scientific evidence to determine the effectiveness of aquatic based training especially as they are related to patient-oriented and disease-oriented outcomes.
8) Demonstrate the training techniques and procedures discussed above.

FACULTY: David C. Berry, PhD, AT, ATC, ATRIC, is a Professor, Athletic Training Program Director at SVSU, and author (Emergency Trauma Management for Athletic Trainers). He serves as an active member of the Board of Certification, American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Committee, and the Sports Education Council (Michigan Cardiovascular Institute) educating the community and professionals on emergency planning and sudden cardiac awareness.