Medical Hydrology and Balneology: Environmental Aspects

Marine zootherapy as part of thalassotherapy.
Medical and psychosocial parameters in 127
children attending a thalassotheraphy and
dolphin therapy program
Cerrada A (1) , Barceló N (2) , Pesquer M (2) , Sebastiá S (1) ,
Weitzmann Ba (3) , Weitzmann Br (3)
(1) Centro de Talasoterapia Elba Estepona. Málaga. Spain
(2) Asociación Felizia. T.A.M.M., Spain
(3) Delfinario de Mundomar Alicante. Spain
alatriste28@yahoo.es
Introduction and Objectives
According to international definition , thalassotherapy is the use of the benefits
of marine elements with a preventive or curative purpose. Some of these elements
are the micro and macroorganisms, so assisted therapy with marine mammals could
be a part of thalassotherapy.
Benefits of dolphin therapy has been contrasted scientifically with specialized
studies.
Dolphin therapy may have an effect comparable to ultrasound therapy in the
clinic. Activate basic biological functions and improve overall. Alpha waves with
frequency between 8 and 13 Hz are associated with relaxation measured with EEG
and directly stimulate the hypothalamus to produce endorphins among other functions.
This statement raises the attention, concentration and ability to learn and memorize.
Neutralize distracting elements and increases perception.
Objectives: Conduct a descriptive study to determine the characteristics of children
attending a thalassotherapy and dolphin program and the determination of
medical-psychological parameters before and after therapy.
Materials and Methods
We proceed to conduct a survey prior o treatment in which we collect the following
patient data:
Age.Hometown.Prior dolphintherapy. Main pathology. Concomitant pathology.
Number of drugs. Blood pressure. Muscle tone and reflexes. Heart rate. Respiratory
rate. Level of anxiety (visual scale of 1 to 10 parents). Mood state.
Increase in communication, improve cognitive, language, attention, concentration,
self-steem, motivation, sleep, appetite, mobility, balance, relaxation, calculation
and recognition. Objective evolution.Subjective evolution.
Balnea
2012, núm. 6, 106-107
106
ISBN: 978-84-669-1887-0
978-84-669-3482-4