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O'Louglin M, Edwards R, Bould E, Devine S, Downing S. Animal-assisted interventions in adult hospital rehabilitation settings: A scoping review. Nurs Health Sci 2024; 26:e13138. [PMID: 39013555 DOI: 10.1111/nhs.13138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
Animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) have the potential to enhance people's well-being and function and are increasingly being implemented across a range of settings. This scoping review explored how AAIs have been used in adult hospital rehabilitative care. Using JBI and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a systematic search of four databases was undertaken. Inclusion criteria involved adults, aged >18 years, who had received AAIs in the hospital rehabilitation setting. Twenty-two articles met the inclusion criteria. Results identified two intervention types: visitation activities (n = 8 studies) and structured therapeutic interventions (n = 14 studies). Dogs were the most common animal species. Improvements in social and emotional well-being were reported across both types of interventions, with improvements in ambulation, motor skills, and verbal communication reported by those engaged in structured therapeutic interventions. Implementation challenges included a dependency on volunteer dog-handlers; the need for better recording of interventions in medical records to enable evaluation; and cost, safety, infection control, and animal welfare considerations. Strengthening the planning of AAIs is fundamental for the realization of potential outcomes from human-animal interactions in hospital rehabilitative care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary O'Louglin
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - Rachael Edwards
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - Em Bould
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
- Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sue Devine
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sandra Downing
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
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Sargsyan A, Beebe LH. Putting the Ducks in a Row: Development of a Duck-assisted Green Care Intervention for Persons with Traumatic Brain Injury. Issues Ment Health Nurs 2024; 45:274-282. [PMID: 38232125 DOI: 10.1080/01612840.2023.2281026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Green Care therapies are defined as the engagement of a patient with the nature, exposing patients to a nature based therapeutic setting that may facilitate their recovery. Such therapies became popular at the end of the twentieth century. This therapeutic approach may include therapeutic horticulture, nature therapies, care farming, facilitated exercise, and animal-assisted therapies with farm animals (AATF). This paper describes the processes of planning and creating an AATF-based clinical intervention wherein persons with TBI interacted with ducks (in twice weekly, 1-hour groups) for 12 wk at a TBI rehabilitation facility. The discussion includes site identification, stakeholder engagement, intervention design and human and animal safety procedures. The research methods, theoretical framework, ethical consideration, and risk reduction strategies for human participants and ducks are discussed. Also, description of challenges and blueprints of possible solutions for other researchers interested in developing similar initiatives. This program will serve as a study site for examining effects of AATF-based interventions on self-efficacy, depression, and anxiety in persons with TBI. If the study suggests that AATF interventions with ducks may lead to positive changes, the proposed study will be followed with studies that include larger samples at multiple sites. Findings in this paper may contribute to the implementation science body of knowledge. Because of that, the information in this paper may benefit the researchers outside of the healthcare arena. From that perspective methods described in this paper may help to develop studies that focus on policy development, program expansion, or individual project implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Sargsyan
- College of Nursing, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Lora H Beebe
- College of Nursing, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, USA
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Vives-Vilarroig J, Ruiz-Bernardo P, García-Gómez A. Effects of Horseback Riding on the Postural Control of Autistic Children: A Multiple Baseline Across-subjects Design. J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-023-06174-5. [PMID: 38246963 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-06174-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
The aim of this research was to study the effect of a horseback-riding programme on postural control in a group of autistic children (ASD). Nine children aged 9 to 12 years participated in this study through a multiple baseline across subjects design. The whole programme took place over nine months. Participants followed a previously developed specific horseback-riding programme, consisting of 45-minute sessions held twice a week for at least three months. To evaluate postural control, the average velocity of the centre of pressure displacement was measured by means of a posturographic platform. Results indicated that this intervention with horses had a positive effect on the postural control in children with ASDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Vives-Vilarroig
- Universidad Cardenal Herrera, CEU, Castellón, C. Grecia, 31, Castellón de la Plana, 12006, España
| | - Paola Ruiz-Bernardo
- Universidad Jaume I. Castellón, Av. Vicent Sos Baynat, s/n, Castellón de la Plana, 12071, España.
| | - Andrés García-Gómez
- Universidad de Extremadura. Badajoz, Av. de Elvas, s/n, Badajoz, 06006, España
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Berget B, Vas J, Pedersen G, Uvnäs-Moberg K, Newberry RC. Oxytocin levels and self-reported anxiety during interactions between humans and cows. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1252463. [PMID: 37780173 PMCID: PMC10536144 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1252463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Positive social interactions with farm animals may have therapeutic benefits on humans by increasing brain oxytocin secretion, as inferred from circulating oxytocin levels. The aim of this observational study was to investigate acute changes in human plasma oxytocin levels and state anxiety associated with interactions with dairy cows. Methods Data were collected from 18 healthy female nursing students who performed stroking and brushing of an unfamiliar cow for 15 min. Blood samples were drawn before entering the cowshed (T1, baseline), and after 5 (T2) and 15 (T3) min of interaction with a cow. At T1 and T3, the students filled out the Norwegian version of the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-State Subscale (STAI-SS). Results Across participants, no significant changes in average plasma oxytocin concentration were detected between time points (p>0.05). There was, however, a modest decline in the STAI-SS scores between T1 and T3 (p=0.015) and a positive correlation between the change in individual level of state anxiety between T1 and T3 and the change in OT concentration of the same individual between T2 and T3 (p = 0.045). Discussion The results suggest that friendly social interactions with cows are beneficial in lowering state anxiety, but any relationship with release of OT into the circulation was complex and variable across individuals. The acute reduction in state anxiety lends support to the value of interacting with farm animals in the context of Green Care for people with mental health challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bente Berget
- Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Department of Health, Social and Welfare Studies, University of South-Eastern Norway, Borre, Norway
- Department of Health and Society, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre AS, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Judit Vas
- Faculty of Biosciences, Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - Gunn Pedersen
- Faculty of Biosciences, Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - Kerstin Uvnäs-Moberg
- Department of Animal Environment and Health, Section of Anthrozoology and Applied Ethology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Skara, Sweden
| | - Ruth C. Newberry
- Faculty of Biosciences, Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
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Chen SW, Rice S, Storey K, Keglovits M, Devine M, Yan Y, Stark S. COVID-19: Factors Predicting Depressive Symptoms in People Aging With Long-Term Physical Disabilities. OTJR-OCCUPATION PARTICIPATION AND HEALTH 2023; 43:194-201. [PMID: 35786098 PMCID: PMC10076235 DOI: 10.1177/15394492221107557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The mental health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic may be greater than that of the viral infection. This impact is likely greater for disadvantaged groups such as people with long-term physical disabilities (PwLTPD). This cross-sectional study used a multiple linear regression model to examine factors associated with depressive symptoms and to understand their relative importance during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The model explained 58% of the variance in depressive symptoms. Anxiety was the most important predictor, accounting for 8% of variance. Higher levels of anxiety, loneliness, and financial stress; prior diagnosis of depression; and non-Black race predicted a higher level of depressive symptoms in PwLTPD during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Occupational therapy practitioners should strategically acknowledge predictors of depression that cannot be modified and actively address those that can be modified through evidence-based interventions to improve depressive symptoms in PwLTPD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Susan Rice
- Washington University in St. Louis, MO, USA
| | | | | | | | - Yan Yan
- Washington University in St. Louis, MO, USA
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Hariri R, Nakhostin-Ansari A, Mohammadi F, Memari AH, Oskouie IM, Haghparast A. An Overview of the Available Intervention Strategies for Postural Balance Control in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. AUTISM RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2022; 2022:3639352. [PMID: 36452121 PMCID: PMC9705119 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3639352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 04/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Postural instability is a prevalent issue among individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that affects the development of their perceptual-motor skills and social functioning. Visual and somatosensory processing deficits, hypotonia, basal ganglia dysfunction, and anxiety are some of the concurrent disorders in individuals with ASD. Nevertheless, a definite management protocol for postural instability in ASD has not been introduced yet. Hence, we aim to shed light on the available intervention strategies for postural instability in individuals with ASD. METHODS Even though several studies have been conducted on the effects of various interventions for balance control in individuals with ASD, no study has compared their efficacy, limitations, and clinical implications. RESULTS This review discusses diverse proposed interventions contributing to ASD postural instability, including martial arts, water-based interventions, animal-assisted therapies, trampoline, balance training, vestibular therapy, transcranial direct current stimulation, sports, play, and active recreation for kids (SPARK), and square-stepping exercise (SSE). CONCLUSION Enhancing motor skills, cerebellum function, and sensory input integration were some of the main mechanisms of these interventions to improve balance control in ASD. Some interventions, such as water-based exercises and video games, were enjoyable for children with ASD and could raise their treatment adherence. In most studies, small sample sizes and the lack of a control group represented their major limitations. Therefore, future well-designed randomized controlled trials are required to assess the effects of available interventions on postural control in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rabeeh Hariri
- Sports Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amin Nakhostin-Ansari
- Sports Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Mohammadi
- Sports Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Hossein Memari
- Sports Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Iman Menbari Oskouie
- Sports Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Afarin Haghparast
- Sports Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Effect of Dog-Assisted Therapy on Psychomotor Development of Children with Intellectual Disability. CHILDREN-BASEL 2020; 8:children8010013. [PMID: 33383714 PMCID: PMC7824354 DOI: 10.3390/children8010013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although dog-assisted therapy (DAT) has been used for years, there is still a scarcity of research findings confirming efficacy of the method. The current study was designed to assess effects of DAT on psychomotor development of children with mild intellectual disabilities. MATERIAL AND METHOD The study involved 60 children with mild intellectual disabilities, aged 10-13 years, divided into a group participating in a 10-month DAT program, and the control group. Four tests were applied, i.e., finger identification, postural imitation, kinaesthesia, and Bourdon-Wiersma Dot Cancellation Test. The examinations were carried out before the start and at the end of the DAT, and at a two-month follow-up. RESULTS The results obtained by the DAT group in all the four tests, at all the three timepoints, were not the same (p < 0.001). No statistically significant differences were found in the measurement at the end of the therapy between the DAT group and the controls. On the other hand, the DAT group achieved significantly better scores (p = 0.001 and p = 0.001), compared to the control, in the follow-up measurements two months after the end of the therapy in postural imitation and finger identification tests. CONCLUSIONS Some of the scores achieved by the children in the DAT group improved in the measurements performed over time. Two months after the therapy ended, the children in the DAT group presented greater gains in motor planning (postural imitation test) and in the sense of touch, attention, and concentration (finger identification test), compared to the control group. Although the measurement performed immediately after the therapy did not show significant differences between the DAT group and the controls, the examination carried out at the two-month follow-up identified long-term gains in the treatment group in the domain of motor planning (postural imitation test).
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Monfort Montolio M, Sancho-Pelluz J. Animal-Assisted Therapy in the Residential Treatment of Dual Pathology. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 17:E120. [PMID: 31877972 PMCID: PMC6981395 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17010120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is a complementary intervention of therapy that has shown positive results in the treatment of various pathologies. This study assesses the viability of the implementation and the effectiveness of an AAT program in patients diagnosed with substance abuse disorder and associated mental disorders (dual pathology). For the study, a dynamic prospective cohort was used, consisting of 43 patients in residential treatment. The program consisted of 10 sessions with a duration of about 60 min, where data was collected in the 3rd, 6th and 10th sessions. The Life Skills Profile questionnaire (LSP) and the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11) were used for subsequent evaluation. Patients who participated in the program showed an improvement in daily skills, which favoured a better quality of life and decreased impulsiveness, enabling them to regain self-control. These results suggest that the dog can be a multi-sensory stimulus that captures attention, and improves motivation, cooperation and patient involvement in therapy. It was concluded that AAT can serve as an adjunctive therapy in the rehabilitation processes of people diagnosed with dual pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Monfort Montolio
- Doctorate School, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, 46001 Valencia, Spain
- Amigo Foundation, 12006 Castellón, Spain
| | - Javier Sancho-Pelluz
- Neurophysiology and neurobiology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, 46001 Valencia, Spain;
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Sahlin E, Johansson B, Karlsson PO, Loberg J, Niklasson M, Grahn P. Improved Wellbeing for Both Caretakers and Users from A Zoo-Related Nature Based Intervention-A Study at Nordens Ark Zoo, Sweden. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E4929. [PMID: 31817472 PMCID: PMC6950239 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16244929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Nature-based interventions have been proposed to promote physical and mental health and give stress reduction. Little attention has been given to the potential of zoos for human health and wellbeing. A disadvantaged group in Sweden regarding access to nature are individuals with disabilities who consequently do not have the same access to these health benefits as other groups. To increase awareness and knowledge regarding spending time in nature and with animals, courses directed at caretakers for persons with disabilities and their users were held at Nordens Ark, a zoo in Sweden. To explore if the courses had led to increased nature activities, and if participating in the courses had affected caretakers' and their users' health and wellbeing, questionnaires and interviews for evaluating the courses were used. The results showed improved quality in nature visits because of course participation as well as positive effects for the wellbeing, sustainability for the caregivers and users in their working lives, and relationships were positively affected. The conclusion from this study is that nature and animal-based education should be more frequent to provide opportunities for a disadvantaged group to have the positive effects of nature of which most other groups have obvious access to.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Sahlin
- Department of Work Science, Business Economics and Environmental Psychology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O.Box.88, SE-230 53 Alnarp, Sweden;
| | - Björn Johansson
- Nordens Ark Foundation, Åby Säteri, SE-456 93 Hunnebostrand, Sweden; (B.J.); (P.-O.K.); (J.L.); (M.N.)
| | - Per-Olof Karlsson
- Nordens Ark Foundation, Åby Säteri, SE-456 93 Hunnebostrand, Sweden; (B.J.); (P.-O.K.); (J.L.); (M.N.)
| | - Jenny Loberg
- Nordens Ark Foundation, Åby Säteri, SE-456 93 Hunnebostrand, Sweden; (B.J.); (P.-O.K.); (J.L.); (M.N.)
- Department of Animal Environment and Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 234, SE-532 23 Skara, Sweden
| | - Mats Niklasson
- Nordens Ark Foundation, Åby Säteri, SE-456 93 Hunnebostrand, Sweden; (B.J.); (P.-O.K.); (J.L.); (M.N.)
- Southern Swedish Forest Research Center, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 49, SE-232 52 Alnarp, Sweden
- Gothenburg Global Biodiversity Centre, University of Gothenburg, Box 100, S-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Patrik Grahn
- Department of Work Science, Business Economics and Environmental Psychology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O.Box.88, SE-230 53 Alnarp, Sweden;
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Menna LF, Santaniello A, Amato A, Ceparano G, Di Maggio A, Sansone M, Formisano P, Cimmino I, Perruolo G, Fioretti A. Changes of Oxytocin and Serotonin Values in Dialysis Patients after Animal Assisted Activities (AAAs) with a Dog—A Preliminary Study. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:E526. [PMID: 31382576 PMCID: PMC6721151 DOI: 10.3390/ani9080526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Our study aimed to measure the levels of serotonin and oxytocin in patients affected by end-stage renal disease (ESRD), undergoing dialysis and participating in a program of animal-assisted activities (AAAs) with a dog. Ten patients with comparable levels of ESRD were enrolled. A blood sample was taken before the start of the study in order to establish basal levels. Eleven meetings were held once a week for 3 months during the last hour of dialysis, and blood samples were collected before and after AAAs. Two more meetings, one month apart from each other, were held two months later without the dog but with the same veterinarian zootherapist. Blood was drawn at the beginning and at the end of each meeting. The samples were then processed for the measurement of serotonin and oxytocin, and data obtained were analysed using analysis of variance with mixed effect models. The results show an increasing level of both serotonin and oxytocin between subsequent meetings with the dog and an increasing trend of inter-intervention levels. Overall, the results suggest that AAAs lead to modifications of serotonin and oxytocin levels, which are also accompanied by behavioural changes of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Francesca Menna
- Departments of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, Federico II University of Naples, 80134 Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Santaniello
- Departments of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, Federico II University of Naples, 80134 Naples, Italy
| | - Alessia Amato
- Departments of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, Federico II University of Naples, 80134 Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Mario Sansone
- Electrical Engineering and Information Technology Federico II University of Naples, 80125 Naples, Italy
| | - Pietro Formisano
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Ilaria Cimmino
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Perruolo
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Fioretti
- Departments of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, Federico II University of Naples, 80134 Naples, Italy
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Brelsford VL, Meints K, Gee NR, Pfeffer K. Animal-Assisted Interventions in the Classroom-A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:E669. [PMID: 28640200 PMCID: PMC5551107 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14070669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2017] [Revised: 06/11/2017] [Accepted: 06/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The inclusion of animals in educational practice is becoming increasingly popular, but it is unclear how solid the evidence for this type of intervention is. The aim of this systematic review is to scrutinise the empirical research literature relating to animal-assisted interventions conducted in educational settings. The review included 25 papers; 21 from peer-reviewed journals and 4 obtained using grey literature databases. Most studies reported significant benefits of animal-assisted interventions in the school setting. Despite this, studies vary greatly in methods and design, in intervention types, measures, and sample sizes, and in the length of time exposed to an animal. Furthermore, a worrying lack of reference to risk assessment and animal welfare must be highlighted. Taken together, the results of this review show promising findings and emerging evidence suggestive of potential benefits related to animals in school settings. The review also indicates the need for a larger and more robust evidence base driven by thorough and strict protocols. The review further emphasises the need for safeguarding for all involved-welfare and safety are paramount.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria L Brelsford
- School of Psychology, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, Lincolnshire LN6 7TS, UK.
| | - Kerstin Meints
- School of Psychology, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, Lincolnshire LN6 7TS, UK.
| | - Nancy R Gee
- Department of Psychology, State University of New York, Fredonia, NY 14063, USA.
- WALTHAM™ Centre for Pet Nutrition, Waltham-on-the-Wolds, Melton Mowbray, Leicstershire LE14 4RT, UK.
| | - Karen Pfeffer
- School of Psychology, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, Lincolnshire LN6 7TS, UK.
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Kazdin AE. Strategies to improve the evidence base of animal-assisted interventions. APPLIED DEVELOPMENTAL SCIENCE 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/10888691.2016.1191952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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