Using dogs in therapy for children recovering from brain injuries
Using Dogs to Promote Therapeutic Engagement During Inpatient Rehabilitation Following Pediatric Acquired Brain Injury: Understanding Mechanisms and Moderators of Treatment Response.
This study is testing if having dogs in therapy helps children recovering from brain injuries feel more engaged and benefit more during their rehabilitation.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Ages | 4 Years to 24 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Cincinnati, Ohio) |
| Trial ID | NCT05250180 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 4-21 who are admitted for inpatient rehabilitation due to an acquired brain injury and can provide assent with parental consent.
Not a fit: Patients with significant allergies to dogs, a fear of dogs, or those with certain medical conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance engagement and outcomes in rehabilitation for children recovering from brain injuries.
How similar studies have performed: While animal-assisted therapies are gaining attention, this specific approach in pediatric brain injury rehabilitation is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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 this trial is running
Cincinnati, Ohio
- 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
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.