Kinesiology Home > Project INSPIRE > Aquatics > Aquatics Programming for Individuals with Special Needs > Anemia

Anemia

Description

Anemia is the result of the reduced oxygen carrying capacity of the blood.

 

 

Teaching Suggestions

  • Medical attention may be needed if the person with anemia displays symptoms of jaundice, pain, aching bones, swollen joints, fatigue and labored breathing.

  • The length of aquatic sessions need to be monitored to avoid fatigue.

  • The aquatics specialist should watch for bluish coloration around the mouth and on fingernail beds.  This is often a sign of reduced oxygenation of the tissues.

  • Swim only in a heated pool or in warm water.  Warm water increases  the circulation of the blood and oxygen to muscle and other tissues.

  • Swimming in cold water is not advised as cold water increases the demand for oxygen as the body tries to maintain homeostasis.

  • Range of motion and stretching exercises in the water encourage relaxation.

  • Water walking,  jogging in the water, and aqua aerobics will increase aerobic capacity. The individual should monitor (or have monitored)   pulse rate and blood pressure.  The individual should self-monitor for fatigue.

  • A graduated exercise program to help monitor energy expenditure and to systematically increase work load is recommended.

  • Bobbing and water adjustment activities help emphasize breath control.

  • Under water swimming should usually be avoided.

 

Sickle Cell Anemia

  • Make sure the individual with sickle cell drinks plenty of water as dehydration will increase sickling.

  • Individuals with sickle cell need to advised of the risk of severe pressure changes and the risks involved in deep sea diving.

  • Individuals with sickle-cell anemia need a safe and effective program designed by a physician and the aquatic instructor, acting in concert.

 

References

  • Carter, M. J., Dolan, M. A., & LeConey S. P. (1994). Designing Instructional Swim Programs for Individuals with Disabilities, Reston, Virginia: American Association for Leisure and Recreation an association of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.

  • Lepore, M., Gayle G. W., & Stevens S. F. (1998). Adapted Aquatics Programming: A professional guide. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

  • Winnick, J. P., (Eds.). (1995). Adapted Physical Education and Sport. (2nd ed.) Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

This page was created by Robert King,
Graduate Student in Adapted Physical Education at Texas Woman's University,
as part of requirements for
"Aquatics for Special Populations" Huettig, Summer, 1999.