Course Overview

Brain Wave: Aquatic Cognitive-Motor Rehabilitation

Available on demand | 3.0 contact hrs | On-demand recorded webinar + distance learning module.

Description: This course examines cognitive-motor rehabilitation strategies within the aquatic environment, with emphasis on integrating cognitive demands into purposeful movement. Content focuses on how aquatic therapy can be used to address attention, memory, dual-task performance, and motor coordination within skilled rehabilitation practice. Participants will explore clinically appropriate aquatic activities that intentionally combine cognitive challenge with movement to support functional performance across neurological and orthopedic populations. Emphasis is placed on clinical reasoning, task layering, and progression of cognitive-motor demands in a manner that supports safety, engagement, and meaningful transfer of skills to land-based therapy contexts.

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Instructor:

 Emily Dunlap, PT, PhD has an extensive background as a clinical aquatic physical therapist, with experience spanning inpatient rehabilitation hospitals and outpatient orthopedic clinics. Over the last decade, she has shifted her focus to teaching and research, where she has made significant contributions to the field of aquatic physical therapy. Emily is an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), where she served as the inaugural chairperson in developing the APTA Academy of Aquatic Physical Therapy Clinical Competency Certificate program. Her leadership and dedication to advancing aquatic therapy have earned her prestigious awards, including the Judy Cirullo Award for outstanding promotion of aquatic physical therapy and the Richard Ruoti Research Award for excellence. In addition to her leadership roles, Emily has contributed to the academic community by authoring chapters in three aquatic therapy textbooks and publishing original research on rehabilitation in aquatic settings. Her certifications in Halliwick, Bad Ragaz Ring Method, Ai Chi, and Watsu (Level III) further demonstrate her expertise in the field. As the owner of Aquatic Therapy Pro, Emily continues to excel as a researcher, clinician, and education consultant. She leads an aquatic rehabilitation journal club with active international participation, fostering a global exchange of knowledge. Her career is driven by a commitment to expanding the evidence base in aquatic rehabilitation and mentoring the next generation of aquatic therapy professionals.
Patrick Jones - Course author
What We Offer

What's included in this online course?

A step-by-step guide

Your ATU instructor's expertise will help you master the fundamentals of aquatic therapy.

Study at your own pace

You can enroll in this course whenever you want, and study at your own time, location and pace.

Unique learning experience

We will learn with ATU's interactive courses with different media and quizzes, to improve your knowledge.

Course Lessons