Table 1

Participant characteristics

ParticipantAgeSexNeurological subtype/distributionFunction (GMFCS*; MACS†; CFCS‡; VFCS§; EDACS¶Comorbidities**/medical eventsPreferred strokePara swimming class
At enrolmentAt study cessation
115 years, 2 months19 years, 0 monthsMaleSpastic QuadriplegiaIV; II; II; I; II

  • Medical disorders: Scoliosis, eating difficulties

  • Neurological disorders: Epilepsy

  • Mental/behavioural disorders: Mild intellectual disability, autism

  • Other interventions/medical events during study: Nil

Breaststroke (no kick)S3/SB2/SM3
215 years, 7 months19 years, 5 monthsFemaleMixed spastic/dystonic QuadriplegiaIV; II; III; I; I

  • Medical disorders: Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, profound hearing impairment, shoulder impingement syndrome.

  • Neurological disorders: Epilepsy

  • Mental/behavioural disorders: Mild intellectual disability

  • Other interventions/medical events during study: Baclofen pump malfunction (x2), acute mental health episode (10 weeks).

Backstroke (no kick)S2/SB2/SM2
315 years, 7 months19 years, 5 monthsMaleSpastic QuadriplegiaIV; II; I; I; II

  • Medical disorders: eating difficulties.

  • Neurological disorders: Nil

  • Mental/behavioural disorders: Anxiety

  • Other interventions/medical events during study: Surgical hallux valgus correction

Backstroke (no kick)S2/SB2/SM2

  • *Gross Motor Function Classification System.

  • †Manual Ability Classification System.

  • ‡Communication Function Classification System.

  • §Visual Function Classification System.

  • ¶Eating and Drinking Classification System.

  • **Categorised using descriptions from Hollung.13