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New session promotes health benefits of aquatics and swimming

September 6, 2023

NHS England e-learning for healthcare has developed a new programme on the unique health benefits of aquatics and swimming.

The resource, made in partnership with Swim England, Aquatic Therapy Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (ATACP), and the University of Nottingham, has been created following research that highlights how healthcare professionals intuitively believe swimming and aquatic activity provide unique health and wellbeing benefits, ideal for musculoskeletal conditions, chronic pain and weight problems, but they lack the knowledge and skills to make this a more routine conversation with patients.

To address this issue, the 20-minute session raises awareness of the benefits of aquatic activity on health and wellbeing and will enhance learners’ confidence in identifying patients who would benefit most.

It covers the following topics:

  • Helping people navigate their way to swimming and aquatic activity
  • What happens to the body in water?
  • Adaptive effects of aquatic exercise
  • Who can exercise in water?
  • Exploring aquatic activities

It is aimed at GPs, physiotherapists, and those who influence an individual’s decision to be active, such as social prescribers and leisure professionals.

For more information and to access the programme, please visit the Aquatics and Swimming programme page.