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.
Lee et al. (Sat,) studied this question.