Skip to main content

Benefits of Aquatic Exercise on Children and Adolescents with Obesity and a Disability

No Ratings



Course Description:

Obesity in children is a significant health concern, with the prevalence of childhood obesity has tripled over the last two decades in the United States and increased considerably worldwide. Children with mobility limitations and intellectual or learning disabilities are at the greatest risk for obesity.

Physical therapy practitioners, particularly those specializing in pediatrics, have an increasingly important role to play in combating childhood obesity.

Course Objectives & Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, the learner will be able to:

  • Describe the correlation between obesity and children with disabilities;
  • Explain the current research on childhood obesity in special needs populations;
  • Discuss the benefits of the aquatic medium as an ideal intervention to address pediatric and adolescent obesity, especially for those with disabilities, to promote sustainability of healthy lifestyles and reduce the risk of secondary conditions; and
  • Design specific activities and exercises to address childhood/adolescent obesity.

Instructor: Kathleen "Kiki" Dickinson, MPT, PAqI

Kiki graduated from the College of St. Catherine with a master's degree in physical therapy. She has over 25 years of pediatric and adult physical therapy experience at St. Croix Therapy (Therapeutic Services for Children and Adults) in Hudson, Wisconsin. In addition, Kiki 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 ortho-neuro adult population.

Note: CEU is not applicable in AK, CO, HI, LA, NJ, NM, NV
Note: CEU is not pre-approved in the following states, but licensees may seek their own approval in AR, CA, DE, OH, TX
All other states:.18 CEU/1.75 CCU or Contact Hours