Using technology to monitor the health effects of animal-assisted interventions
SCH: Synchronous Dyadic Physiological Monitoring for Real Time In Vivo Measurement and
This study is looking at how wearing special sensors can help us see how both people and therapy dogs respond during animal-assisted therapy, especially for cancer patients and veterans with PTSD, so we can learn more about the healing power of the human-animal bond.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | North Carolina State University Raleigh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Raleigh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11063434 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a system that uses wearable sensors to monitor the physiological responses of both humans and dogs during animal-assisted interventions (AAIs). By collecting data on heart rate, activity levels, and other vital signs, the study aims to better understand how the human-animal bond contributes to therapeutic benefits, particularly for cancer patients and veterans with PTSD. The innovative approach combines real-time data collection with advanced analytics to evaluate the effectiveness of AAIs. Patients participating in this research may help shape future interventions by providing valuable insights into the physiological impacts of their interactions with therapy animals.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation include cancer patients and veterans experiencing PTSD who are open to engaging with therapy animals.
Not a fit: Patients who are not interested in animal-assisted therapies or have allergies to animals may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance the effectiveness of animal-assisted therapies, leading to improved health outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in the effectiveness of animal-assisted interventions, but this specific approach using real-time physiological monitoring is novel.
Where this research is happening
Raleigh, United States
- North Carolina State University Raleigh — Raleigh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Roberts, David L — North Carolina State University Raleigh
- Study coordinator: Roberts, David L
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.