This thesis explored the current context of aquatic rehabilitative practices in Canada. More specifically, three inter-related topics on Aquatic Therapy (AT) and Aquatic Physical Therapy (APT) in Canada were examined: 1) the development of knowledge, training and expertise on APT and AT, 2) recognition and acceptance of cultural and social authority on AT and APT (Starr, 1982), and 3) the practitioners’ perceptions of barriers to practicing and participation in aquatic therapy. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with seven (7) stakeholders including Ontario aquatic physical therapists, aquatic therapists, instructors on aquatic therapy and members of the College of Physiotherapy of Ontario (CPO) and the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA). Interviews were complimented with open-ended questionnaires sent to Chairs of Physical Therapy programs in seven Canadian Universities. Our research identified the most common means of acquiring knowledge on aquatic rehabilitative practices was through University Physiotherapy program curriculum; private training courses; and in-house within facilities where aquatic therapists and aquatic physical therapists are employed. This thesis also examined facilitators/barriers to practicing and receiving aquatic therapy and aquatic physical therapy. Through critical analysis, this thesis reflected on the ways in which social and cultural authority (Starr, 1982) are constructed within the field of aquatic therapy (AT) and aquatic physical therapy (APT). Recommendations and areas for future research included specialized training courses by scope of practice, and increased in-pool practicum training within Physiotherapy programs in Canada.

Water is essential in the life of human beings, and, if used in therapeutic way through the Aquatic Physical Therapy, it promotes health and the recovery of countless diseases. In this work some of the artifacts used in the Aquatic Physical Therapy were analyzed with the objective of proposing their improvement. For that, supports for head and cervical column and boards already available in the Brazilian market, were selected for study. A survey of users' satisfaction it was made, with base in interviews with patients and reports of physiotherapists' experiences. The artifacts were considered in agreement with the stages suggested by design methods. Then recommendations were offered in order to present therapeutic options for those who employ such products with therapeutic ends. The main contribution of this study is to demonstrate to physiotherapists one way in which they cam participate in morphologic, functional and use evaluation of artifacts of their everyday use, and the professional role in the improvement of the function of such products. / A água é essencial na vida do ser humano, e, se utilizada de forma terapêutica através da Fisioterapia Aquática, promove o bem-estar e a recuperação de inúmeros distúrbios. Neste trabalho, alguns dos artefatos utilizados na Fisioterapia Aquática foram analisados com o objetivo de propor o seu aprimoramento. Para isso foram estudados alguns posicionadores de coluna cervical e cabeça e pranchas disponíveis no mercado brasileiro, foi feita uma sondagem da satisfação dos usuários com base em entrevistas a pacientes e relatos de experiências de fisioterapeutas. Os artefatos foram estudados de acordo com as etapas sugeridas por metodologias projetuais. A partir daí recomendações foram oferecidas no sentido de apresentar opções terapêuticas a serem usadas no meio aquático pelos pacientes. Por fim, a principal contribuição deste estudo é a demonstração de um modo de participação do fisioterapeuta na avaliação morfológica e funcional dos artefatos que utiliza e do seu papel na melhoria da função desses no atendimento fisioterapêutico.