Study to Find the Effect in Combined Protocol of Aquatic Therapy and Play Therapy in Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder in School Going Children from 7 – 10 Years to Improve the Quality of Life

The Objective of the Study: The aim of this study is to see the effect of combined protocol on aquatic and play therapy for children with ADHD based on inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and anxiety.

Background: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a severe threat to public health that affects a huge number of children and typically continues into adulthood. It is characterized by persistent lack of attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that impairs growth and performance. Children with ADHD are usually treated with a combination of pharmacological and non - pharmacological treatments, including academic, psycho-social, and behavioral aid, as well as aquatic therapy and play therapy. Aquatic therapy and play therapy, on the other hand, are ways in which the kid is provided the chance to undergo growth in the most optimum conditions. The goal of this study is to see how effective aquatic therapy and play therapy are in raising the standard of living of children aged 7 to 10 who have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Methods: The design of the present study is quasi-experimental. Tools used for the study: Data were collected through Conner’s parent’s rating scale, pediatric balance scale, and hand-eye coordination scale as pre and post-test and the treatment group received aquatic therapy and play therapy for eight sessions.

Results: Conner's parent rating scale, pediatric balance scale, and hand-eye coordination test were used to compare before and after results. Conner's parent rating scale had a difference between the means of 21, a standard deviation of 4.79, and a paired-t-test value of 23.98. The pediatric balance scale's mean difference was 19, the standard deviation was 3.82, and the paired-t significance level was 27.20. The average difference in the hand-eye coordination test was 11, with a standard deviation of 1.67 and a paired-t-test score of 36.02.

Conclusion: According to the findings, using aquatic therapy and play therapy to help children with ADHD pay close attention, reduce hyperactivity, and manage impulsive behavior was beneficial. Play therapy and aquatic therapy are also good ways to have some exercise. This increased energy utilization causes them to be less impulsive and hyperactive over the rest of the day.