The Salzman Matrix: Cognitive-Motor Integration in Aquatic Therapy

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

Description: This course introduces the Salzman Matrix, a practical clinical framework for integrating cognitive and motor demands within aquatic therapy interventions. Participants will examine how attention, memory, reaction time, and decision-making challenges can be intentionally layered onto purposeful movement to support balance, gait, postural control, and functional task performance. Content emphasizes clinically accessible cognitive-motor strategies that can be implemented immediately in the pool and adapted for land-based rehabilitation settings. Participants will explore dual-task progression, transfer of skills across environments, and structured clinical reasoning approaches that support meaningful cognitive engagement.

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

Format & Delivery

Format: Available on demand.

Recorded Webinar (2.0 hours) with Distance Learning Module (1.0 hours)

Total contact hours: 3.0 hours

Learning Objectives

Define cognitive-motor integration and dual-task training.
List examples of cognitive challenges that can be added to aquatic movement.
Explain how aquatic dual-task drills can transfer to land-based therapy.

Additional Information about Course Content

Structured Cognitive–Motor Layering:
Participants learn how to systematically add cognitive demands—such as divided attention, working memory, and response inhibition—onto motor tasks without compromising movement quality or safety.
Dual-Task Progression and Regression:
The course examines how to scale cognitive and motor difficulty independently, allowing clinicians to fine-tune challenge levels based on patient presentation and goals.
Functional Transfer Across Environments:
Content highlights how aquatic cognitive-motor training can prepare patients for real-world demands on land, supporting carryover for gait, balance, and daily activities.
Clinical Reasoning and Skilled Intervention:
Emphasis is placed on framing cognitive-motor integration as a skilled, defensible intervention rather than an add-on activity, with guidance on selecting, sequencing, and documenting dual-task strategies.
Broad Clinical Applicability:
Examples are relevant to neurological, orthopedic, geriatric, and medically complex populations, making the Salzman Matrix adaptable across practice settings.

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

Instructor:

Andrea Salzman, MS, PT graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a Masters degree in physical therapy. Salzman is the Founder and Owner of the Aquatic Resources Network, the largest multidisciplinary clearinghouse of information on aquatic therapy. She currently serves as Director of Aquatic Therapy University and has assisted hundreds of facilities during the start-up and training phases of their aquatic practice. Salzman has received the highest honor given to an aquatic physical therapist from the American Physical Therapy Association, the Judy Cirullo Leadership Award. She has been listed in Who's Who for Aquatics multiple times over the years. Over her career, she has served as:
• Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Aquatic Physical Therapy
• Manager, Regions Hospital Therapy Pool
• Adjunct Faculty, College of St. Catherine’s PT program
• Functional Design Consultant; Aquatic Therapy Facilities
• ARN Database Creator, 19,000 aquatic professionals
• Aquatic Health Research Database (AHRD) Creator, 8000 abstracts and growing
• Author, 5 aquatic therapy-related texts
• Monthly columnist, Aquatics International, Advance for PTs, Onsite Fitness, AusMed and other trade magazines

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.

Course Lessons

Company

About
Blog
Contact

Connect with us

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.

The Salzman Matrix: Cognitive-Motor Integration Techniques in Aquatic Therapy