Aquatic therapy has been reported to be beneficial for individuals post-spinal cord injury or disorder (SCI/D) and post-stroke. The unique properties of hydrodynamics have a direct influence on how individuals with a disability benefit from aquatic therapy in their rehabilitation journey. The buoyant force provides body weight offloading, the drag force allows for a gradual movement resistance, and the hydrostatic pressure drives upward blood flow. The current body of evidence on the effects of aquatic therapy post-SCID and post-stroke offers important insights on how aquatic therapy can apply to those populations; however, more robust scientific evidence and a critical appraisal of the current studies are needed to drive clinical decision-making. The objectives of this presentation are: 1. Review the physical and thermal properties of the aquatic medium and its clinical implications for individuals post-SCID and stroke. 2. Highlight the presenter’s research findings on aquatic therapy post-SCID. 3. Critically review current scientific literature on aquatic therapy post-SCID and post-stroke.

Dr. Andresa Marinho Buzelli is a registered Physiotherapist with expertise in neurorehabilitation, postural control and aquatic therapy, working at the Outpatient Department of St. John’s Rehab Hospital with clients living after limb loss, stroke and polytraumatic injuries. During her time serving as a researcher in Canada, Andresa advanced the field of aquatic therapy by leading observational and qualitative studies through her doctoral degree and postdoctoral fellowships funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). Recently, Andresa and the St. John’s Rehab Research Team launched the user-friendly Stroke Toolkit for Aquatic Rehabilitation and Recreation Therapy (STARRT), an educational and informational website aimed at increasing aquatic therapy accessibility for clients, caregivers, and clinicians during their stroke rehabilitation journey in Canada. Andresa is a passionate clinician and researcher who aims to integrate research and practice as she attends to the needs of people experiencing a disability. As an awarded PBRI Research Fellow, Andresa and the Outpatient Rehabilitation Team are currently developing a discharge tool to help clients with lower limb loss transition to community life.