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Effects of Exposure to Formal Aquatic Activities on Babies Younger Than 36 Months: A Systematic Review

Author

Listed:
  • Carlos Santos

    (Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, 1499-002 Cruz Quebrada, Portugal)

  • Carolina Burnay

    (Interdisciplinary Center for the Study of Human Performance (CIPER), Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, 1499-002 Cruz Quebrada, Portugal
    School of Physical Education, Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand)

  • Chris Button

    (School of Physical Education, Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand)

  • Rita Cordovil

    (Interdisciplinary Center for the Study of Human Performance (CIPER), Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, 1499-002 Cruz Quebrada, Portugal)

Abstract

This systematic review investigated the possible effects of exposing infants to formal activities in aquatic environments. A literature search of eight databases was concluded on 12 December 2022. Studies were eligible if they: (i) focused on 0–36 months of age infants, (ii) addressed the exposure of infants to formal aquatic activities, and (iii) compared the ‘same condition of aquatic exposure with the control’ or ‘before and after exposure’. The PRISMA protocol was used. Articles considered for inclusion ( n = 18) were clustered in the health, development, and physiological outcome domains. The results show that research is focused on indoor activities, mainly in baby swimming programs and baby aquatic therapy interventions. Swimming and aquatic therapy practices are generally safe for babies’ health, and there are benefits to preterm and newborns exposed to aquatic therapy once the physiological parameters are maintained in normal and safe patterns. A positive effect is also suggested in general gross and fine motor skills, visual motion perception, cognitive flexibility, and response selection accuracy for infants who participated in aquatic programs. Further investigation with high-quality experimental designs is required to establish the effect of exposure of infants to formal aquatic activities (Systematic Review Registration: CRD42021248054).

Suggested Citation

  • Carlos Santos & Carolina Burnay & Chris Button & Rita Cordovil, 2023. "Effects of Exposure to Formal Aquatic Activities on Babies Younger Than 36 Months: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(8), pages 1-18, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:8:p:5610-:d:1129709
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Irene Leo & Silvia Leone & Raffaele Dicataldo & Chiara Vivenzio & Nada Cavallin & Chiara Taglioni & Maja Roch, 2022. "A Non-Randomized Pilot Study on the Benefits of Baby Swimming on Motor Development," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(15), pages 1-9, July.
    2. Harter, L. & Frost, F. & Grunenfelder, G. & Perkins-Jones, K. & Libby, J., 1984. "Giardiasis in an infant and toddler swim class," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 74(2), pages 155-156.
    3. Jasper V Been & Marlies J Lugtenberg & Eline Smets & Constant P van Schayck & Boris W Kramer & Monique Mommers & Aziz Sheikh, 2014. "Preterm Birth and Childhood Wheezing Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," PLOS Medicine, Public Library of Science, vol. 11(1), pages 1-18, January.
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