Swimming for dementia: an exploratory qualitative study

Hobden, Tanya; Swallow, Mary; Beer, Charlotte; Dening, Tom

Abstract

Swimming is a non-weight bearing form of exercise that can be enjoyable and promote physical fitness. This qualitative study investigated a local group established as part of a national dementia swimming initiative. Semi-structured interviews with people with dementia (N=4), carers or companions (N=4) and the organisers and facilitators of the group (N=6) were analysed using thematic analysis. This revealed four main themes: (1) the pleasure of swimming and its benefits as a form of exercise and for building confidence and empowering participants; (2) the importance of insight and empathy in creating a safe and secure experience; (3) the impact of dementia; and (4) how participants valued being part of a group ‘all in the same boat’. ‘Dementia friendly swimming’ appears to be a valuable form of exercise but it requires considerable preparation and support to make it happen.

Citation

Hobden, T., Swallow, M., Beer, C., & Dening, T. (in press). Swimming for dementia: an exploratory qualitative study. Dementia, https://doi.org/10.1177/1471301218768372

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 8, 2018
• Online Publication Date: Mar 30, 2018
• Deposit Date: Mar 14, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: Mar 30, 2018
• Journal: Dementia
• Print ISSN: 1471-3012
• Electronic ISSN: 1741-2684
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1471301218768372
• Keywords: swimming, dementia, dementia friendly, exercise, people with dementia
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/922164
• Publisher URL: http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1471301218768372
• Contract Date: Mar 14, 2018