THE EFFECTS OF AQUATIC PHYSIOTHERAPY ON BABY DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

This work addresses the effects of aquatic physiotherapy, focusing on infant development. The overall objective is to analyze studies that evaluate the main benefits of aquatic physiotherapy for motor development. To this end, a narrative review with a qualitative approach was used to synthesize studies on the effects of aquatic physiotherapy on infant development, allowing for a broader understanding of the benefits of this intervention. The results indicated that the practice of aquatic physiotherapy in infants provides stimuli that promote muscle strengthening, coordination, balance, and postural control, favoring significant advances in the milestones of infant motor development. Furthermore, the aquatic environment helps improve systemic circulation, in order to induce muscle relaxation and sensory integration. It is concluded that aquatic physiotherapy is an effective tool for early stimulation, contributing significantly to neuropsychomotor development in infants.