Animal-assisted intervention for children with developmental disabilities and their family dogs
The Evaluation of a Multi-site Imitation Based Animal Assisted Intervention for Children With Developmental Disabilities and Their Family Dog
NA · Oregon State University · NCT04799119
This study is testing a new way for kids with developmental disabilities to bond with their family dogs through training to see if it helps them feel better and be more active.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 10 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Oregon State University (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Corvallis, Oregon) |
| Trial ID | NCT04799119 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates a novel approach that fosters a therapeutic partnership between adolescents with developmental disabilities and their family dogs through a unique training method called 'Do As I Do' (DAID). The intervention aims to increase physical activity levels, enhance social support, and improve feelings of responsibility and wellbeing among participants. By implementing this multi-site Animal Assisted Intervention, the study seeks to empirically assess the impact on the quality of life and the child-dog relationship. Participants will be recruited from community-based programs associated with developmental disabilities.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adolescents aged 10-17 years with a developmental disability who have a family dog and can follow basic instructions.
Not a fit: Patients who cannot follow basic instructions or do not have access to a family dog may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve the physical activity and social wellbeing of adolescents with developmental disabilities.
How similar studies have performed: While animal-assisted interventions have been explored, this specific multi-site DAID approach is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 10-17 years * Developmental disability (per parental report) * Possesses family dog * Participant can follow basis instructions. Exclusion Criteria: * Cannot follow basic instructions. * Non english-speakers.
Where this trial is running
Corvallis, Oregon
- Oregon State University — Corvallis, Oregon, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Megan MacDonald — Oregon State University
- Study coordinator: Megan MacDonald, PhD
- Email: megan.macdonald@oregonstate.edu
- Phone: 5417373273
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Physical Activity, Social Wellbeing