Using dogs in therapy for children recovering from brain injuries

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 study investigates the impact of animal-assisted therapy on children undergoing inpatient rehabilitation for acquired brain injuries. It employs a within-subject crossover design to assess whether the presence of dogs during physical and occupational therapies enhances patient engagement. The study aims to identify the mechanisms through which dogs improve engagement and determine which patients are most likely to benefit from this approach. By establishing an evidence base for animal-assisted therapies, the research seeks to improve clinical care for pediatric patients in intensive rehabilitation.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis: Participants must be admitted to the inpatient rehabilitation unit for treatment of an acquired brain injury (TBI, brain tumor, infection, etc).
* Consent: The family must provide informed consent by parents or legal guardians.
* Assent: The child/adolescent must provide a signature indicating assent to participate in the study.
* Age at the time of screening: 4-21 years old
* Sex: includes both males and females
* Responsiveness: Rancho score greater than 2 at the time of enrollment (as noted in the medical chart).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Allergies: Patient has a significant allergy to dogs
* Fear: Patient has a significant fear of dogs
* Disease: Participant is on contact precautions or has a communicable disease that may pose a risk to the dog or dog handler or has a compromised immune system where interacting with the dog and/or handler would be of significant risk to the patient.
* Medical History: History of developmental delay prior to ABI.
* Behavioral History: Participant or family has a history of animal abuse or cruelty.
* Responsiveness: Rancho score of 2 or less

Where it's running

• Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
  Cincinnati, Ohio, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Megan Narad, PhD
• Email: megan.narad@cchmc.org
• Phone: 15138038902

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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.