What is the mechanism of action of this treatment?

Common treatments for stroke include thrombolytic therapy, which dissolves blood clots to restore blood flow to the brain, and antiplatelet agents, which prevent new clots from forming. Rehabilitation therapies, such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy, are crucial for recovery by helping patients regain lost functions and improve their quality of life. Animal-assisted therapy, like the use of therapy dogs, can provide additional emotional and psychological support, reducing stress and promoting a positive environment for recovery. This holistic approach is important for stroke patients as it addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of rehabilitation, potentially enhancing overall outcomes.

What side effects are associated with this type of intervention?

Common treatments for stroke rehabilitation, such as physical, occupational, and speech therapies, generally have minimal side effects but can include fatigue, muscle soreness, and emotional stress due to the intensity of the exercises and the psychological impact of recovery. Animal-assisted therapy, like the use of therapy dogs, is generally well-tolerated and can provide emotional and psychological benefits, though potential side effects might include allergies to animal dander, fear of animals, or minor injuries from interactions with the animals. Overall, these therapies are considered safe and beneficial for stroke patients.

What prior FDA approvals exist?

FDA-approved treatments for stroke primarily include thrombolytic agents like alteplase (tPA) for ischemic stroke, which helps dissolve blood clots, and various anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs to prevent further clotting. Rehabilitation therapies, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy, are also critical components of stroke recovery. The study of animal-assisted therapy, such as the use of a Mayo Clinic certified therapy dog, represents a complementary approach aimed at enhancing emotional well-being and motivation during rehabilitation, which is not typically addressed by conventional pharmacologic treatments.

What other types of research exist?

Promising novel alternatives to Therapy Dog (Animal-Assisted Therapy) for stroke patients in 2024 include: 1) Virtual Reality (VR) therapy, which uses immersive environments to enhance motor and cognitive rehabilitation; 2) Robotics-assisted therapy, which provides precise and repetitive movements to aid in motor recovery; 3) Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), a non-invasive method that stimulates brain activity to improve motor function; and 4) Music therapy, which has been shown to improve mood, cognitive function, and motor skills in stroke patients.

← Back to Search

Animal-assisted Therapy

Animal-assisted Therapy for Stroke Rehabilitation

N/A

Waitlist Available

Led By Arya Mohabbat, MD

Research Sponsored by Mayo Clinic

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Be older than 18 years old

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up baseline through inpatient stay, an average of 2 weeks.

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial involves using a specially trained therapy dog during stroke rehabilitation sessions. The target group is patients in the Mayo Clinic Stroke Rehabilitation Unit. The therapy dog aims to improve patients' recovery by making them feel happier, less anxious, and more motivated. Using dogs in therapy has been administered to patients post-stroke to aid in psychological and physical recovery.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for adults over 18 who are currently in the Mayo Clinic's in-patient stroke rehabilitation program. They must have had a stroke, be able to give informed consent, and speak English (as questionnaires are only in English). Pregnant individuals, those with pacemakers, or anyone deemed unsuitable by medical staff cannot participate.

What is being tested?

The study is testing if having a certified therapy dog present during stroke rehabilitative therapy sessions provides additional benefits compared to typical treatment without a therapy dog.

What are the potential side effects?

Since this trial involves animal-assisted therapy rather than medication, there aren't traditional side effects. However, participants might experience allergies or discomfort around dogs.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ baseline through inpatient stay, an average of 2 weeks.

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~baseline through inpatient stay, an average of 2 weeks.

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and baseline through inpatient stay, an average of 2 weeks. for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.

Primary study objectives

Change in Anxiety

Change in Depression

Change in Quality of Life Outcomes

+2 more

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Therapy dog during stroke rehabilitative therapy sessionsExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Participants randomized to this arm will have a therapy dog present during their stroke rehabilitative therapy sessions.

Group II: No therapy dog during stroke rehabilitative therapy sessionsActive Control1 Intervention

Participants randomized to this arm will have stroke rehabilitative therapy sessions per standard of care with no therapy dog present.

Do I qualify?Apply below to find out

Research Highlights

Information in this section is not a recommendation. We encourage patients to speak with their healthcare team when evaluating any treatment decision.

Mechanism Of Action

Side Effect Profile

Prior Approvals

Other Research

Common treatments for stroke include thrombolytic therapy, which dissolves blood clots to restore blood flow to the brain, and antiplatelet agents, which prevent new clots from forming. Rehabilitation therapies, such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy, are crucial for recovery by helping patients regain lost functions and improve their quality of life. Animal-assisted therapy, like the use of therapy dogs, can provide additional emotional and psychological support, reducing stress and promoting a positive environment for recovery. This holistic approach is important for stroke patients as it addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of rehabilitation, potentially enhancing overall outcomes.