Animal-assisted occupational therapy to boost brain signal complexity in minimally conscious adults
Neurological and Physiological Effects of Animal-assisted Therapy for Patients in a Minimally Conscious State: a Randomized, Controlled Cross-over Study
NA · University of Basel · NCT06931665
We will try animal-assisted occupational therapy to see if it increases brain signal complexity in adults who are in a minimally conscious state.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 26 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Basel (other) |
| Locations | 2 sites (Basel and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06931665 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This interventional study delivers animal-assisted occupational therapy sessions to inpatients with a minimally conscious state and records brain and physiological signals. Researchers will measure EEG entropy as the primary neural outcome, alongside ECG, electrodermal activity, and behavioral observations. Participants are adults with acquired brain injury who meet CRS-R criteria for MCS and are physiologically stable, with consent from a legal representative. The study is conducted at REHAB Basel and the neurorehabilitation service at Geneva University Hospitals.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (18+) with acquired brain injury who meet minimally conscious state criteria, are physiologically stable in an inpatient setting, and have consent from a legal representative are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with animal phobias or allergies, unstable medical conditions, or recent major medication changes are excluded and unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could increase measures of brain complexity and possibly support recovery-related changes in consciousness and responsiveness.
How similar studies have performed: Small pilot and case studies have reported behavioral responses to animal-assisted interventions in disorders of consciousness, but robust evidence using EEG entropy is limited and this application is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Inpatients in one of the study sites * Acquired brain injury resulting from either traumatic or non-traumatic events * Diagnosis of MCS defined by CRS-R according to the Aspen criteria (Giacino, 2005) * Informed consent as documented by signature by the patient's legal representative * Physiologically stable * Aged 18 or over Exclusion Criteria: * Phobia or allergies to any of the involved animals * Medical contraindications: acute or chronic disease (e.g. chronic pain, hypertension, heart disease, renal disease, liver disease, diabetes) * Radical changes in medication (decision made with responsible physician)
Where this trial is running
Basel and 1 other locations
- REHAB Basel — Basel, Switzerland (RECRUITING)
- Service de Neurorééducation, Hopitaux Universitaires Genevois — Geneva, Switzerland (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Fabio Carbone, MSc
- Email: fabio.carbone@unibas.ch
- Phone: +41612076738
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: Minimally Conscious State