TITLE:
Greek Translation, Content Validity, Test-Retest and Inter-Rater Reliability of Swimming with Independent Measure (SWIM) Assessment Test for People with Disabilities Based on Halliwick Concept
AUTHORS:
Konstantinos Chandolias, Eliza Konstantinidou, Athanasios Tsiokanos, Chrysoula Moscholouri, Thomas Besios, George Tsigaras
KEYWORDS:
Hydrotherapy, Halliwick, SWIM, Cerebral Palsy
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Pediatrics,
Vol.11 No.1,
March
25,
2021
ABSTRACT: Objectives: Halliwick-based hydrotherapy has become one of the most widespread approaches in the water environment for people with disabilities.
The Swimming with Independent Measure (SWIM) test was developed by Peackok (1993) based on the need to create specific aquatic
assessment tests for people with disabilities.
The purpose of our study was its translation into Greek language and the
investigation of its metric properties. Methods: A total of 40 children with cerebral palsy aged on average 7.36 years
participated in the study: 20 children with GMFCS 1 - 5 and cognitive
limitations, and 20 children with GMFCS 1 - 4 without
cognitive limitations. Two physiotherapists with extensive experience in hydrotherapy
and Halliwick philosophy participated in the test-retest and inter-rater reliability
and validity assessment. Results: The test-retest and inter-rater reliability
for the overall score was found to be high (ICC = 0.99). In terms of validity, a
positive correlation was found between SWIM and GMFM (r = 0.59). Conclusions: The Greek translation of the SWIM test was found to be highly reliable for assessing
mental adaptation and functionality in the aquatic environment for children with
disabilities, so it is recommended to professionals.