a q uat i c s New Aquatic Therapy Options for By Maureen Hannan Pilot programs offer injured soldiers water-based rehabilitation D octors have for decades prescribed aquatic therapy for rebuilding and strengthening injured bodies while managing pain. Recently, in an effort to standardize alternative therapies for wounded warriors, the U.S. Army has piloted a two-pronged aquatic rehabilitation program. The Aquatic Warrior Exercise Program (AWEP), commissioned by the U.S. Army Surgeon General's office and developed by aquatics and fitness expert Dr. Mary Wykle, is up and running at three Army installations: Fort Belvoir and Fort Eustis in Virginia and Fort Lewis, Washington. Each of these sites has multiple indoor pools and hosts Warrior Transition Units (WTUs) of 250 to 500-a manageable number for data collection and follow-up. The pilot program has been completed and the final report submitted for official review. The Army is currently reviewing the report and is expected to make recommendations and decisions sometime in the next several months concerning the implementation of Wykle's two-phase program. 62 Parks & Recreation FEBRUARY 2011 w w w . NR P A . ORG