Between Paws and Affections: dog-assisted therapy for fibromyalgia

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 is a prospective, non-randomized clinical trial with a control group conducted at the Day Hospital of the Psychiatry and Mental Health Department of ULS Alto Ave. Participants receive group-based interventions: a 10-session dog-assisted therapy program (4 weekly DAT sessions plus 6 monthly guided-relaxation booster sessions with dogs) or an active control program providing identical psychoeducation and relaxation without dogs. Outcomes are measured immediately after the intervention, at 6 months, and at 12 months to examine both short-term effects and maintenance. The design follows up on a pilot of 34 women that showed initial benefits but partial erosion of gains at 6 months, motivating the prolonged protocol with boosters.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18 years or older
* Confirmed diagnosis of fibromyalgia
* Being followed at ULS Alto Ave by the Multidisciplinary Pain Unit, Internal Medicine (Auto immune diseases), Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine or Neurology
* Ability to read and write Portuguese and to understand the study procedures
* Willingness and ability to participate voluntarily in the 10 session program and all scheduled assessments (T1-T4)
* Provision of written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Allergy to dogs or marked fear of dogs
* History of aggression towards animals
* History of oncological disease
* Concomitant systemic or rheumatologic disease that may confound pain and functional assessment
* Decompensated psychiatric disorder or severe cognitive impairment that may compromise comprehension of the protocol or adherence to the intervention
* Refusal to participate or withdrawal of consent at any point

Where it's running

• Unidade Local de Saúde (ULS) Alto Ave
  Guimarães, Portugal Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Filipa Martins-Alves, Psychiatric Hospital Assistant — Psychiatry Department, Unidade Local de Saúde (ULS) Alto Ave
• Study coordinator: Armando Almeida, Associate Professor
• Email: aalmeida@med.uminho.pt
• Phone: +351 936615717

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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.