Animal-assisted occupational therapy to boost brain signal complexity in minimally conscious adults

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• 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

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.