The influence of Halliwick method on mental adaptation in aquatic environment for young individuals wit Down syndrome

The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of the "Halliwick" aquatic exercise program on changes of mental adaptation in water environment in young people with Down syndrome (DS). The sample of respondents consisted of 14 young people with DS, with average age of 21.8±8.0 years. The research design is single-group included baseline, post-control and final measurements. The control period between baseline and post-control measurements lasted 12 weeks, equivalent to the duration of the experimental aquatic exercise program. The program included aquatic exercise classes with a frequency of two classes a week for 60 min (24 classes in total), with preplanned training content through the world-renowned Halliwick method (in ten points) well adapted to people with disabilities. Mental adaptation in water environment was assessed using the WOTA2 test. The obtained results showed that the applied aquatic exercise program was effective in terms of statistically significant improvement of mental adaptation in water environment in young people with DS. The concept of this program can be recommended as a sport-recreational type of activity for people with DS for the purpose of improving health status, psychophysical abilities and physical activity.