Recruiting

Aquatic Therapy for Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome

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What is being tested

Aquatic Occupational Therapy

Other
Who is being recruted

Autonomic Nervous System Diseases+2

+ Nervous System Diseases

+ Primary Dysautonomias

From 18 to 65 Years
See all eligibility criteria
How is the trial designed

Treatment Study

Interventional
Study Start: September 2025
See protocol details

Summary

Principal SponsorCalifornia State University, Dominguez Hills
Study ContactEvaRose Celeste, OT Doctoral studentMore contacts
Last updated: December 11, 2025
Sourced from a government-validated database.Claim as a partner

Study start date: September 12, 2025

Actual date on which the first participant was enrolled.

This study is focusing on developing and testing a water-based therapy program for individuals with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). POTS is a condition that affects circulation and can lead to symptoms like dizziness, fainting, and rapid heartbeat when standing up. The study aims to see if participating in aquatic therapy can reduce these symptoms, improve overall quality of life, and be a practical option for both patients and healthcare providers. By addressing these aspects, the study hopes to find new, effective ways to help those living with POTS manage their symptoms better. Participants in this study will take part in a structured program that includes three water therapy sessions each week, each lasting an hour, over a period of twelve weeks. Before and after the program, participants will undergo a detailed evaluation conducted by an occupational therapist, which includes assessments both at home and in-person. The study does not have a comparison group, focusing solely on the effects of the therapy itself. Through this setup, the study will measure changes in heart rate and symptom severity, as well as gather feedback on how feasible and beneficial the therapy is for improving daily life for those with POTS.

Official TitleProgramming Aquatic Therapy for POTS 
NCT07182578
Principal SponsorCalifornia State University, Dominguez Hills
Study ContactEvaRose Celeste, OT Doctoral studentMore contacts
Last updated: December 11, 2025
Sourced from a government-validated database.Claim as a partner

Protocol

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.
Design Details

12 patients to be enrolled

Total number of participants that the clinical trial aims to recruit.

Treatment Study

These studies test new ways to treat a disease, condition, or health issue. The goal is to see if a new drug, therapy, or approach works better or has fewer side effects than existing options.



Eligibility

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria: person's general health condition or prior treatments.
Conditions
Criteria

Any sex

Biological sex of participants that are eligible to enroll.

From 18 to 65 Years

Range of ages for which participants are eligible to join.

Healthy volunteers not allowed

If individuals who are healthy and do not have the condition being studied can participate.

Conditions

Pathology

Autonomic Nervous System DiseasesNervous System DiseasesPrimary DysautonomiasOrthostatic IntolerancePostural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed with POTS, Age 18-64, Participants must be English speaking, participants must obtain a physician permission letter\* \* The physician letter will only state that the participant is cleared to participate in aquatic therapy, it will not confirm or state what disease the individual has in the medical records or other HIPAA information. Exclusion Criteria: * Not diagnosed with POTS, Not between the ages of 18-64\*, Epilepsym Bowel incontinence \*The reason for the age requirement is because individuals: * under 18 have different diagnostic criteria and mechanisms for POTS than the age range specified and may respond differently to treatment * over age 65 have different mechanisms behind POTS than younger individuals, and frequently have health conditions or factors that can be difficult to differentiate from POTS symptoms/diagnosis and would require lab work and continuous physician involvement. POTS is less common in older adults. * The typical age of onset for POTS is generally considered to be between the ages of 15-50 years of age * For participant's safety, the researcher needs to be able to communicate with them in the aquatic setting. English is the researcher's only language and electronic translators are not accessible/usable in the pool setting.

Study Plan

Find out more about all the medication administered in this study, their detailed description and what they involve.
Treatment Groups
Study Objectives

One single intervention group is designated in this study

This study does not include a placebo group 

Treatment Groups

Group I

Experimental
All participants will participate in the aquatic occupational therapy arm. The aquatic occupational therapy intervention is divided into three progressive months: Month 1: Breathing techniques, proprioception, balance, and vestibular activities. Easy breathing and balancing moves Example: Belly breathing, water walking, toe lifts, mountain aqua yoga pose Month 2: Strength and endurance training Building strength and ability to exercise longer Example: Water marching, core exercises using dumbbells or paddles Month 3: Advanced strengthening and endurance tasks with integrated cognitive, balance, and dual-task challenges. Harder exercises and doing two things at once, like thinking and moving together Example: Dumbbell exercises while playing a word association game

Study Objectives

Primary Objectives

Secondary Objectives

Study Centers

These are the hospitals, clinics, or research facilities where the trial is being conducted. You can find the location closest to you and its status.

This study has 1 location

Recruiting

California Aquatic Therapy & Wellness Center

Long Beach, United StatesSee the location
Recruiting
One Study Center