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 MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (Ivanhoe Broadcast News) -- Swimming, splashing, sliding ... most kids love the water, and 11-year-old Sarah Grace is no different.
But all the water works is actually physical therapy. Sarah Grace was born more than four months premature and weighed just over one pound. She was the smallest baby to ever survive at her hospital.
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"She literally was a miracle. Half inch shorter than a Barbie doll," says Sara' Grace's mom, Teresa Harris...
...And Sara Grace has been beating the odds ever since. She was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at age 2 and is now part of a study on how an underwater treadmill -- first used on horses -- can help her build up leg strength and walk better.
 "It's a challenge. It'd be a challenge for anybody," Don Morgan, Ph.D., an exercise physiologist at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, tells Ivanhoe. "They're demonstrating to themselves and to their families that, 'Hey, look at what I've been able to do. I've gotten stronger. I've gotten fitter,' and it's a wonderful thing to be proud of."
Dr. Morgan says the water resistance helps build leg muscles but doesn't strain the joints. Kids in the study have improved heart function and have more energy to walk. Dr. Morgan says next it could be tested in kids with CP who use walkers and wheelchairs and in other conditions that affect walking.
After using the underwater treadmill, Sarah Grace noticed a difference during a class trip to New York City.
 Teresa says, "When we went down a flight of steps to use the restroom, and when we came back up she was taking them just like me. I couldn't believe it. 'Baby, look what you're doing!'"
Sarah Grace dreams of someday becoming a nurse or teacher. "I'm more of like an energetic person," she says. "I will help people when they need help." And for a girl who couldn't even walk -- and can now climb stairs -- anything's possible.
This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, who offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, go to: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.
If you would like more information, please contact:
Don Morgan, Ph.D.
Department of Health and Human Performance
Middle Tennessee State University
P.O. Box 96
Murfreesboro, TN 37132
(615) 898-5549
dmorgan@mtsu.edu
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