Catching One’s Breath in the Water : Exploring the Experiences of Parents of Children with Developmental Disabilities in an Aquatic Exercise Program

Parents of children with developmental disabilities often experience cumulative exhaustion due to long-term caregiving demands, yet opportunities for physical activity for leisure and health remain limited. This qualitative study explored the experiences of parents who participated in a 4 week aquatic exercise program and examined the positive changes associated with their participation. 8 mothers who completed all 8 sessions of a program offered by a healthcare foundation in City A participated in in-depth interviews and non-participant observation. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed five key themes: physical release through bodily movement in water; enjoyment characterized by immersion and laughter; temporary detachment from the caregiving role and reconnection with the self; emotional solidarity formed through shared experiences with other parents; and restorative energy that supported continued caregiving and positive changes in daily life. These results suggest that short-term aquatic exercise programs serve as a meaningful supportive resource for parents of children with developmental disabilities and that leisure and health oriented physical activities can play an important role in improving caregivers’ recovery.