Water-based exercise is a well-established, evidence-supported intervention in physiotherapy that exploits the unique physical properties of water—buoyancy, viscosity, turbulence, and hydrostatic pressure—to facilitate movement, reduce mechanical load on joints, and enhance sensorimotor control.
Contemporary research confirms the effectiveness of aquatic exercise in improving pain, mobility, balance, and functional participation in adults with musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, as well as in pediatric populations with motor impairments (Guo, Feng, Du, 2025; Hall et al., 2023; Dimitrijević et al., 2012). In children, aquatic therapy has been shown to support motor development, coordination, strength, and psychosocial engagement, particularly in those with neurodevelopmental and chronic conditions (Kelly & Darrah, 2005).
This workshop will be performed exclusively through live demonstration and hands-on practice in a pool setting. The instructor will present ordinary therapeutic exercises in water alongside established physiotherapy approaches, including the Halliwick Concept and the Bad Ragaz Ring Method (BRRM). In addition, selected concepts derived from Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI), such as postural activation and facilitation of automatic motor responses, will be demonstrated. Elements of Watsu will be introduced to illustrate therapist-assisted support, relaxation, and body awareness. Participants will gain practical insight into adapting aquatic interventions to diverse clinical conditions, age groups, and functional levels.

Note: The workshop will be conducted in a swimming pool environment. Participants are requested to prepare appropriate athletic clothing suitable for participation in water-based therapeutic activities. Attendance as an observer, without entering the water, will also be available.