Aquatic Therapy for Pediatric Obesity, Weakness, and Incontinence

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

Description: This course examines evidence-informed aquatic therapy strategies for pediatric patients presenting with obesity, generalized weakness, and continence challenges. Content focuses on how aquatic environments can support strength development, movement confidence, endurance, and functional participation while reducing joint stress and common movement barriers. Participants will explore clinically appropriate aquatic interventions that address foundational strength, postural control, and activity tolerance, with consideration for pediatric continence management within therapeutic contexts. Emphasis is placed on clinical reasoning, age-appropriate activity selection, and progression of interventions that support functional carryover to land-based therapy and daily activities within skilled pediatric aquatic therapy practice.

To enroll 2+ learners, use "Buy Licenses' option below.

Format & Delivery

Format: Available on demand.

Recorded Webinar (2.5 hours) with Distance Learning Module (0.5 hours)

Total contact hours: 3.0 hours

Learning Objectives

At the end of the training, participants will be able to:

Describe 2-3 contraindications and/or precautions related to aquatic therapy for this population.
Given a specific case, write a short statement of medical necessity showing the need for aquatic therapy for a patient with a risk of falls.
Locate 5 systematic reviews from the last 5 years which justify the use of aquatic therapy for balance and fall prevention
List 3 reasons that therapy may be considered safer to perform when performed in an aquatic medium.
Describe at least 5 aquatic exercises designed to improve balance and/or decrease fall risk.
Describe a systematic technique to progress most aquatic activities or tasks from a lower level of intensity to a higher level of intensity.

Additional Information about Course Content

Supportive Strength and Endurance Development:
Participants examine how buoyancy and resistance can be used to promote muscle activation and cardiovascular engagement while minimizing joint stress and early fatigue.
Movement Confidence and Participation:
The course emphasizes creating positive movement experiences in water to reduce avoidance, improve confidence, and support sustained participation for children with higher body weight or low physical endurance.
Postural Control and Foundational Motor Skills:
Content highlights aquatic strategies to improve trunk stability, balance, and coordinated movement patterns that support functional tasks on land.
Continence Considerations in Pediatric Aquatic Therapy:
Participants explore practical considerations for managing continence challenges respectfully and safely within aquatic therapy settings, including session planning, communication, and collaboration with caregivers.
Carryover to Land-Based Function and Daily Activity:
Emphasis is placed on designing aquatic interventions that translate to improved participation in daily routines, school activities, and land-based therapy goals.

Target Audience Statement

This course is designed primarily for professionals with a basic understanding of physical medicine and rehabilitation. Those likely to benefit most are: Physical therapist & assistants, Occupational therapists & assistants, Recreational therapist & assistants, Speech & language pathologist & assistants.

Students who are at the basic level of skill acquisition and those who are at a higher level of skill, but who are looking for a course that provides "best practice" ideas for techniques currently practiced are also welcome.

This course can be applied toward 3 elective hours for individuals who are seeking their ATU Aquaticist credential.

This course does not focus on evaluation or examination of the patient and the content is within the scope of practice for the Assistant working under the supervision of the PT or OT or RT or SLP. While the primary audience for the course is the PT/OT/RT/SLP provider, other rehabilitation providers will find it beneficial.

CEU/CCU Information

CEU/CCU Information:

This course/training is offered under the name ATU Aquatic Therapy Seminars.
Note that state regulations are subject to change and each state has differing standards for approval of CE.
It is the responsibility of the attendee to verify approval and compliance with their state’s licensing board.

PT/PTA:

General Information: ATU reports CE credit through CEbroker.com when applicable. Licensees are responsible for confirming acceptance of this course with their individual licensing boards. Sponsor approval has been granted for continuing competence unit(s) (CCUs) by the Texas chapter of the APTA. This activity has been approved by the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners for PTs and PTAs. State PT boards which accept CE approved by a state component of the APTA or state PT licensing boards may likewise accept these credits. Always check with your licensing agency for continuing education credit eligibility.
See below for known exceptions:

New York: CEUs/CCUs NOT available.
California, DC, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Tennessee, West Virginia - Pre-approval was not obtained in these states, but individuals are permitted to submit a self-application through their state licensing board. Comply with any deadline and fees for self-applications.

OT/OTA:

General Information: ATU reports CE credit through CEbroker.com when applicable. The Indiana Occupational Therapy Committee hereby certifies that the following continuing education provider has been approved to offer continuing education credits for license renewal for Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants (Certificate # 98001187A). Other state licensing boards which accept CE approved by a state component of the AOTA or state OT licensing boards may likewise accept these credits. Always check with your licensing agency for continuing education credit eligibility.
See below for known exceptions:

Montana & New York: CEUs/CCUs NOT available.
DC, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, New Mexico, Ohio, Vermont - Pre-approval was not obtained in these states, but individuals are permitted to submit a self-application through their state licensing board. Comply with any deadline and fees for self-applications.

Instructor:

Kathleen (Kiki) Dickinson, MPT, PAqI graduated from the College of St. Catherine with a master's degree in physical therapy. Kiki has over 30 years of pediatric and adult physical therapy experience at St. Croix Therapy (Therapeutic Services for Children and Adults) in Hudson, Wisconsin. She has extensive experience developing and implementing aquatic therapy programs for a diverse pediatric population which includes working with children of all ages including the birth-to-three population, as well as the medically complex population. Kiki founded North Star Aquatic Therapy to offer aquatic therapy courses for both the pediatric and adult populations. Kiki teaches custom aquatic therapy classes nationally and internationally with a focus on the neuro pediatric population. Kiki has helped develop course manuals for several pediatric courses for Aquatic Therapy University (ATU) and has developed several of her own individual classes that she has presented at national and state APTA conferences. Kiki has a clinical and research interest in childhood obesity and the impact it has on children with disabilities. Kiki has played a significant role in developing aquatic coursework for Speech Language Pathologists, including offering one of the first ASHA approved course in aquatics with ATU. Kiki is certified in Halliwick, Bad Ragaz, Ai Chi and Cranio-sacral Therapy. Kiki has her Aquaticist℠ credentials from ATU. Kiki has been an adjunct professor at St. Catherine’s University for over 25 years and teaches Pediatric Coursework for their Physical Therapy Assistant Program.

Patrick Jones - Course author

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.

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Disclaimer The content provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is intended for use by licensed and student rehabilitation professionals. It does not constitute legal, medical, or billing advice, nor does it create a provider–patient or attorney–client relationship. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy and current compliance, laws, payer policies, and professional regulations vary by state and may change over time. Users are responsible for verifying all information with applicable federal, state, and payer rules before applying it in clinical or administrative practice. Participation in any ATU course, program, or resource does not guarantee licensure, certification, or reimbursement and should not be interpreted as a substitute for professional judgment, legal consultation, or individualized clinical decision-making. By using this site, you agree that Aquatic Therapy University and its affiliates are not liable for any errors, omissions, or outcomes resulting from use of this information.

Aquatic Therapy for Pediatric Obesity, Weakness, Incontinence