Vol 14, Issue 1, No 4, July 2026

Learn-to-Swim as Aquatic Therapy for Postural Development: A Pilot Study Using a Single-Group Repeated Measures Design with SPARISK Aquatic Therapy Application (SATA) and AI-Based Posture Evaluation (APECS) in Preschool Children

Jazredal Aboo Bakar1, Thariq Khan Azizuddin Khan2, Yusop Ahmad3, Rofiza Aboo Bakar4 & Nur Haziyanti Mohamad Khalid5 

1,2,3,5 Faculty of Sports Science and Coaching, Sultan Idris Education University, 35900 Tanjung Malim, Perak, Malaysia 

4 Academy of Language Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Pulau Pinang, 13500 Permatang Pauh, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

DOI: http://doi.org/10.47836/mohe.14.1.04

ABSTRACT

This study examined the effects of a learn-to-swim programme as aquatic therapy on postural development among preschool children, integrating the SPARISK Aquatic Therapy Application (SATA) with the AI Posture Evaluation and Correction System (APECS). A pilot study employing a single-group repeated measures design was conducted with 11 children aged 4–6 years (five boys, six girls). Postural assessments were conducted at three time points: baseline (February 2024), mid-intervention (June 2024), and post-intervention (December 2024). Six anatomical landmarks were analysed through AI-based photogrammetry to classify posture as normal, lordosis, swayback, kyphosis, or flatback. Results indicated that all participants initially demonstrated lordosis, but transitioned into swayback by June, and maintained this posture through December. Although swayback is not fully neutral, this shift represents a therapeutic improvement, as it reduces excessive lumbar curvature. Gender differences were evident; boys showed faster but less stable changes, with partial regression by December, whereas girls demonstrated slower, steadier corrections with better retention. Across anatomical planes, significant improvements were observed primarily within the first three months, particularly in trunk alignment, acromion alignment, and pelvic tilt, especially among females. These findings highlight the potential of aquatic therapy, supported by AI-based evaluation, to promote early postural correction in preschool children; however, achieving long-term stability requires sustained intervention.

Keywords: aquatic therapy, preschool children, posture, SATA, APECS, repeated measures design