A Two-Stage Quantitative and Qualitative Service Evaluation of a Novel Aquatic Immersion Therapy for People with Acute or Chronic Disability, Injury, or Illness

Background: Underwater therapy uses the physical properties of water to facilitate exercise and rehabilitation for people living with disability, injury, and/or illness and has been used in the management of a range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and other health conditions. Immersion Therapy™ (IT) is a novel form of underwater therapy that uses scuba equipment to facilitate individually tailored exercise and rehabilitation in a fully submerged environment. This study aimed to explore the perceived physical, social, and psychological impacts of IT on clients who participated in the program, and to develop a comprehensive understanding of their views of the service. Methods: This was a two-stage study incorporating both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The first stage comprised a descriptive analysis of service-related survey data completed by 80 unique clients and healthcare providers, including a qualitative content analysis of free-text responses. The second stage involved a qualitative descriptive exploration (n = 10), using semi-structured interviews with clients and, in some cases, their care providers, to examine experiences of the service in greater depth. Results: The findings suggest that clients, healthcare providers, and caregivers perceived IT as contributing to a range of biopsychosocial benefits, with participants reporting feelings of inclusion, equality, and empowerment. While physical benefits were also reported, these were perceived as secondary to the social and emotional benefits of participation. Conclusions: IT was perceived as a valued and beneficial intervention, and further development and more rigorous evaluation of this mode of therapy are warranted.