Neurological and Physiological Effects of Animal-assisted Therapy for Patients in a Minimally Conscious State

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF BASEL · Apr 16, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) might help patients who are in a minimally conscious state (MCS). MCS means that a person has some awareness of their surroundings but is not fully conscious. The researchers will look at brain activity using a method called electroencephalogram (EEG) to see if AAT can increase brain complexity, which is important for understanding consciousness. They will also measure heart activity, skin responses, and observe behaviors to get a full picture of how AAT affects these patients.

To participate in this trial, patients need to be inpatients with an acquired brain injury, either from an accident or another cause. They must be 18 years or older and have a diagnosis of MCS. It's important that they are stable and that their legal representative gives consent for them to join. However, those with allergies to animals involved in the therapy, certain medical conditions, or significant medication changes won't be eligible. Participants can expect to engage with animals in a therapeutic setting, and the study aims to gather valuable information that could improve care for people in similar situations.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Inpatients in one of the study sites
• • Acquired brain injury resulting from either traumatic or non-traumatic events
• • Diagnosis of MCS defined by CRS-R according to the Aspen criteria (Giacino, 2005)
• • Informed consent as documented by signature by the patient's legal representative
• • Physiologically stable
• • Aged 18 or over
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Phobia or allergies to any of the involved animals
• • Medical contraindications: acute or chronic disease (e.g. chronic pain, hypertension, heart disease, renal disease, liver disease, diabetes)
• • Radical changes in medication (decision made with responsible physician)