The Halliwick Concept according to the ICF Framework
Ursula Barrett (1) and Jean-Pierre Maes (2)
Abstract: The aquatic environment is often chosen by individuals, parents, exercise professionals, therapists and other professionals due to the unique characteristics that water provides. There are a variety of approaches used in both swim teaching and aquatic rehabilitation when working with individuals with impairments in the water. This paper focuses on the use of the Halliwick® Concept and the benefits this approach offers. The Halliwick Concept while developed long before the World Health Organisation’s
International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health (ICF) framework fits well within this model. A number of examples are outlined in this paper to highlight some of the main benefits of Halliwick
on the 2 main lists of the ICF: 1. Body Functions and structures and 2. Activities and Participation. The latter is further divided into activities and participation in and out of a Halliwick session in order to demonstrate the transfer of benefits beyond Halliwick sessions.
Keywords: Halliwick, ICF disability, aquatics, rehabilitation