Effects of Animal-assisted Therapy on the Physical Function and Communication of Adults With Autism
- Conditions
- Autism Spectrum DisorderAutism
- Interventions
- Behavioral: dog-assisted therapy
- Registration Number
- NCT04859998
- Lead Sponsor
- Daniel Collado-Mateo
- Brief Summary
The aim is to evaluate the effects of a dog-assisted therapy program on physical function and communication in a sample comprised of 24 adults with autism spectrum disorder. The sample will be divided into 2 groups, a control group and an experimental group. Changes after 10 weeks (20 sessions) will be compared between-groups.
- Detailed Description
The intervention program will consist of 20 sessions conducted twice a week in the facilities of the collaborator associations. Each session will be conducted in groups of 3 participants and will last 30 minutes. It will include a welcome part, a main part (based on different activities and physical exercises with the dog) and a closing part to say goodbye to the dogs.
Physical function measures will be conducted before and after the completion of the study. The interaction and communication will be assessed during the sessions in the first, tenth and last ones.
Recruitment & Eligibility
- Status
- UNKNOWN
- Sex
- All
- Target Recruitment
- 24
- Older than 40 years
- With autism spectrum disorder
- Able to walk autonomously, without help from other people.
- Able to climb and descent stairs autonomously, without help from other people.
- Medical condition that contraindicates the proximity or contact with the animals with the animals on the part of the user.
- Allergy to dog epithelium.
- Phobias to dogs.
- History of aggression to animals.
- Users who do not submit a signed informed consent form.
Study & Design
- Study Type
- INTERVENTIONAL
- Study Design
- PARALLEL
- Arm && Interventions
Group Intervention Description Experimental group dog-assisted therapy Participants in this group will take part in the 20 session dog-assisted therapy. This therapy will be added to their usual daily living and therapies. They will be assessed before and after the 10 week program.
- Primary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Changes in walking performance (6m) At baseline and inmediately after the intervention (within 7 days after the last session) Evaluation of the ability to walk 6 meters in a corridor (time spent)
Changes in walking performance (10m) At baseline and inmediately after the intervention (within 7 days after the last session) Evaluation of the ability to walk 10 meters in a corridor (time spent)
- Secondary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Changes in balance and risk of falling At baseline and inmediately after the intervention (within 7 days after the last session) Using the Tinetti Assessment Tool. Minimum score = 0. Maximum score for gait = 12 points; Maximum score for balance component = 16 points. Maximum total score = 28 points. Higher scores mean lower risk of falling.
Changes in step length (6m) At baseline and inmediately after the intervention (within 7 days after the last session) Evaluation of the step length walking 6 meters in a corridor
Changes in communication with dog During sessions (first, intermediate and last one) An observation scale designed by the group to evaluate the interaction and communication with the dogs and other people. It is comprised by 38 items, scored as 1 (yes) and 0 (no). Minimum score = 0; Maximum score = 38. Higher scores mean higher communication.
Changes in step length (10m) At baseline and inmediately after the intervention (within 7 days after the last session) Evaluation of the step length walking 10 meters in a corridor
Changes in cadence (6m) At baseline and inmediately after the intervention (within 7 days after the last session) Evaluation of the cadence walking 6 meters in a corridor
Changes in cadence (10m) At baseline and inmediately after the intervention (within 7 days after the last session) Evaluation of the cadence walking 10 meters in a corridor
Changes in communication without dog At baseline and inmediately after the intervention (within 7 days after the last session) An observation scale designed by the group to evaluate the interaction and communication with other people. It is comprised by 14 items, scored as 1 (yes) and 0 (no). Minimum score = 0; Maximum score = 14. Higher scores mean higher communication.
Changes in the ability to climb and descend stairs At baseline and inmediately after the intervention (within 7 days after the last session) Evaluation of the ability to climb and descend stairs (10 steps)
Changes in duration of phases in the gait cycle (10m) At baseline and inmediately after the intervention (within 7 days after the last session) Evaluation of the duration of phases in the gait cycle walking 10 meters in a corridor
Changes in duration of phases in the gait cycle (6m) At baseline and inmediately after the intervention (within 7 days after the last session) Evaluation of the duration of phases in the gait cycle walking 6 meters in a corridor
Trial Locations
- Locations (1)
King Juan Carlos University
🇪🇸Móstoles, Madrid, Spain