Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) is an emerging intervention that has proven to be effective among a diverse range of populations. Among those populations, evidence has shown that those who have neurological conditions such as strokes, TBIs, dementia, Parkinson’s, and more have received emotional, physical, and psychological benefits from interacting with animals in a therapy-like setting and even at home (Pandey et al., 2024). Many people who experience life-changing neurological events and illnesses experience a natural decrease in their mobility, socialization, and independence that negatively affects their recovery and general well-being.
How are animals used in therapy?
There are many ways to incorporate animals in a therapeutic setting. It could be as simple as spending time with the animal, taking a walk with the animal, or completing a task with the animal that incorporates certain physical or psychological exercises that will benefit the participant. The handler will base activities on animal type, breed, size and temperament. For example, a dog with calmer energy may be a good fit for a nursing home setting, while a more energetic dog may be a better fit to be around children.
What are the observed benefits of owning an animal or participating in AAT for those with neurological conditions?
The American Heart Association found that, on average, dog owners live longer and are able to recover from life-changing events like heart attacks or strokes faster than those who do not own a dog (cite). In a 2021 study completed with 30 post-stroke participants, it was found that the experimental group who received AAT showed significantly higher increases in rehabilitation participation, motivation, gait performance, and pulmonary function than the control group.
Source:
Pandey, R. P., Himanshu, Gunjan, Mukherjee, R., & Chang, C. M. (2024). The Role of Animal-Assisted Therapy in Enhancing Patients’ Well-Being: Systematic Study of the Qualitative and Quantitative Evidence. JMIRx med, 5, e51787. https://doi.org/10.2196/51787
Additional Links:
- Pet Therapy as a Nonpharmacological Treatment Option for Neurological Disorders: A Review of the Literature – PMC
- The effect of animal-assisted interventions on the course of neurological diseases: a systematic review – PMC
- Effects of Animal-Assisted Therapy on Gait Performance, Respiratory Function, and Psychological Variables in Patients Post-Stroke – PMC