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Glass D, Yuill N. Social motor synchrony in autism spectrum conditions: A systematic review. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2024; 28:1638-1653. [PMID: 38014541 PMCID: PMC11193327 DOI: 10.1177/13623613231213295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT When two people interact, they often fall into sync with one another by moving their bodies at the same time. Some say autistic people are not as good as non-autistic people at moving at the same time as a partner. This has led some researchers to ask whether measuring synchrony might help diagnose autism. We reviewed the research so far to look at differences in Social Motor Synchrony (SMS) (the way we move together) between autistic people and people they interact with. The research suggests that interactions involving an autistic partner (either two autistic partners, or an autistic and non-autistic partner) show lower synchrony than a non-autistic pair. However, we recognised elements in the research so far that may have affected SMS in interactions involving an autistic person. One way SMS may have been affected in research so far might be the way interactions have been set up in the research studies. Few papers studied interactions between two autistic people or looked at synchrony in comfortable environments with autistic-preferred tasks. The studies also do not explain why synchrony might be different, or weaker, in pairs involving autistic partners. We use these limitations to suggest improvements for future research.
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Konrad K, Gerloff C, Kohl SH, Mehler DMA, Mehlem L, Volbert EL, Komorek M, Henn AT, Boecker M, Weiss E, Reindl V. Interpersonal neural synchrony and mental disorders: unlocking potential pathways for clinical interventions. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1286130. [PMID: 38529267 PMCID: PMC10962391 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1286130] [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: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Interpersonal synchronization involves the alignment of behavioral, affective, physiological, and brain states during social interactions. It facilitates empathy, emotion regulation, and prosocial commitment. Mental disorders characterized by social interaction dysfunction, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD), and Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), often exhibit atypical synchronization with others across multiple levels. With the introduction of the "second-person" neuroscience perspective, our understanding of interpersonal neural synchronization (INS) has improved, however, so far, it has hardly impacted the development of novel therapeutic interventions. Methods To evaluate the potential of INS-based treatments for mental disorders, we performed two systematic literature searches identifying studies that directly target INS through neurofeedback (12 publications; 9 independent studies) or brain stimulation techniques (7 studies), following PRISMA guidelines. In addition, we narratively review indirect INS manipulations through behavioral, biofeedback, or hormonal interventions. We discuss the potential of such treatments for ASD, RAD, and SAD and using a systematic database search assess the acceptability of neurofeedback (4 studies) and neurostimulation (4 studies) in patients with social dysfunction. Results Although behavioral approaches, such as engaging in eye contact or cooperative actions, have been shown to be associated with increased INS, little is known about potential long-term consequences of such interventions. Few proof-of-concept studies have utilized brain stimulation techniques, like transcranial direct current stimulation or INS-based neurofeedback, showing feasibility and preliminary evidence that such interventions can boost behavioral synchrony and social connectedness. Yet, optimal brain stimulation protocols and neurofeedback parameters are still undefined. For ASD, RAD, or SAD, so far no randomized controlled trial has proven the efficacy of direct INS-based intervention techniques, although in general brain stimulation and neurofeedback methods seem to be well accepted in these patient groups. Discussion Significant work remains to translate INS-based manipulations into effective treatments for social interaction disorders. Future research should focus on mechanistic insights into INS, technological advancements, and rigorous design standards. Furthermore, it will be key to compare interventions directly targeting INS to those targeting other modalities of synchrony as well as to define optimal target dyads and target synchrony states in clinical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Konrad
- Child Neuropsychology Section, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital RWTH, Aachen, Germany
- JARA Brain Institute II, Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging (INM-11), Jülich Research Centre, Jülich, Germany
| | - Christian Gerloff
- Child Neuropsychology Section, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital RWTH, Aachen, Germany
- JARA Brain Institute II, Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging (INM-11), Jülich Research Centre, Jülich, Germany
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, Cambridge Centre for Data-Driven Discovery, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Simon H. Kohl
- Child Neuropsychology Section, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital RWTH, Aachen, Germany
- JARA Brain Institute II, Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging (INM-11), Jülich Research Centre, Jülich, Germany
| | - David M. A. Mehler
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical School, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- Institute for Translational Psychiatry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Center (CUBRIC), Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Lena Mehlem
- Child Neuropsychology Section, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital RWTH, Aachen, Germany
| | - Emily L. Volbert
- Child Neuropsychology Section, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital RWTH, Aachen, Germany
| | - Maike Komorek
- Child Neuropsychology Section, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital RWTH, Aachen, Germany
| | - Alina T. Henn
- Child Neuropsychology Section, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital RWTH, Aachen, Germany
| | - Maren Boecker
- Child Neuropsychology Section, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital RWTH, Aachen, Germany
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Hospital RWTH, Aachen, Germany
| | - Eileen Weiss
- Child Neuropsychology Section, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital RWTH, Aachen, Germany
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Hospital RWTH, Aachen, Germany
| | - Vanessa Reindl
- Child Neuropsychology Section, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital RWTH, Aachen, Germany
- Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
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De Santis M, Filugelli L, Mair A, Normando S, Mutinelli F, Contalbrigo L. How to Measure Human-Dog Interaction in Dog Assisted Interventions? A Scoping Review. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:410. [PMID: 38338052 PMCID: PMC10854530 DOI: 10.3390/ani14030410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Human-dog interaction is the working tool through which the therapeutic, educational and recreational goals of dog-assisted interventions (DAIs) are achieved. A better understanding of the characteristics of this interaction could improve the effectiveness of DAIs. This scoping review addresses the question: how has the human-dog connection been measured in the context of DAIs? After searching the Web of Science and Scopus platforms, only peer-reviewed, primary research studies reporting measures of therapy dog-human interaction, relationship and bond were included. A total of 70 included articles provided information on what was measured (interaction, relationship or bond) and how, as well as the general context (DAIs or experimental situations with therapy dogs). While the majority of the articles identified use behavioural analysis methods to analyse the interaction between the participant/recipient and the therapy dog during DAIs, it was possible to identify some more structured tools that assess the participant/recipient's interaction, relationship or bond with the therapy dog, as well as tools that consider the animal's perspective or focus on the dog-handler dyad, indicating growing areas of research. The tools and methods identified can be used by both practitioners and researchers to further explore aspects of human-dog interaction in the field of DAIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta De Santis
- National Reference Centre for Animal Assisted Interventions, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (M.D.S.); (L.F.); (F.M.); (L.C.)
| | - Lorena Filugelli
- National Reference Centre for Animal Assisted Interventions, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (M.D.S.); (L.F.); (F.M.); (L.C.)
| | - Alberto Mair
- National Reference Centre for Animal Assisted Interventions, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (M.D.S.); (L.F.); (F.M.); (L.C.)
| | - Simona Normando
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, Università degli Studi di Padova, Viale dell’Università, 14, 35020 Legnaro, Italy;
| | - Franco Mutinelli
- National Reference Centre for Animal Assisted Interventions, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (M.D.S.); (L.F.); (F.M.); (L.C.)
| | - Laura Contalbrigo
- National Reference Centre for Animal Assisted Interventions, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (M.D.S.); (L.F.); (F.M.); (L.C.)
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Naik SS, Joshi A, Winnier JJ, Patil DD, Gore PJ, Mali SS. Evaluation of dental anxiety in children with Down's syndrome using dog-assisted therapy: A pilot study. J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent 2023; 41:322-327. [PMID: 38235819 DOI: 10.4103/jisppd.jisppd_493_23] [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] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dental anxiety and fear are the major treatment challenges faced by pediatric dentists. Oral hygiene in children with Down's syndrome is highly compromised in comparison to their healthy counterparts. Animal-assisted therapy, through dogs, has been beneficial in alleviating dental fear and anxiety in healthy pediatric population. AIM The aim of the study was to assess the impact of dog-assisted therapy (DAT) on children with Down's syndrome undergoing dental examination and fluoride varnish application in dental operatory. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty children with Down's syndrome between 5 and 12 years of age were selected. Group A (intervention group): DAT was carried out in the dental operatory. Group B (control group): Dental treatment was performed in the absence of a therapy dog in the dental operatory. Anxiety levels were evaluated by recording the pulse rate and revised modified faces version of the Modified Child Dental Anxiety Scale (MCDAS[f]). STATISTICAL ANALYSIS The intergroup comparison of pulse rate was done using an unpaired t-test, whereas the variation in intragroup pulse rate was analyzed using the Analysis of Variance test. The anxiety scores were subjected to a paired t-test for intragroup comparison with P < 0.05 considered to be statistically significant. RESULTS Reduction in dental anxiety was observed in the intervention group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION DAT can be used as an effective behavior management technique for children with Down's syndrome undergoing dental examination and simple dental procedures in the dental operatory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilpa S Naik
- Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, DY Patil University - School of Dentistry, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
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Griffioen RE, van Boxtel GJM, Verheggen T, Enders-Slegers MJ, Van Der Steen S. Group Changes in Cortisol and Heart Rate Variability of Children with Down Syndrome and Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder during Dog-Assisted Therapy. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1200. [PMID: 37508697 PMCID: PMC10378440 DOI: 10.3390/children10071200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Dog-assisted therapy is hypothesized to lower stress in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and children with Down syndrome (DS), which may be visible on a physiological level. In this study, we measured heart rate variability (HRV) and salivary cortisol of 20 children with DS or ASD at the beginning and end of six weekly sessions of dog-assisted therapy. We found a decrease of cortisol levels during single sessions, but no overall effect after six sessions (six weeks). The effect of dog-assisted therapy on the increase of HRV could not be confirmed. This study is one of the first to use physiological measurements to test the effects of DAT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard E Griffioen
- Department of Animal Assisted Interventions, Aeres University of Applied Sciences, De Drieslag 4, 8251 JZ Dronten, The Netherlands
| | - Geert J M van Boxtel
- Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, Professor Cobbenhagenlaan, 5037 AB Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - Theo Verheggen
- Department of Psychology and Education, Open University The Netherlands, Valkenburgerweg 177, 6419 AT Heerlen, The Netherlands
| | - Marie-Jose Enders-Slegers
- Department of Psychology and Education, Open University The Netherlands, Valkenburgerweg 177, 6419 AT Heerlen, The Netherlands
| | - Steffie Van Der Steen
- Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, University of Groningen, Grote Kruisstraat 2/1, 9712 TS Groningen, The Netherlands
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Kovács G, van Dijke A, Leontjevas R, Enders-Slegers MJ. The Relevance of Internal Working Models of Self and Others for Equine-Assisted Psychodynamic Psychotherapy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:10803. [PMID: 36078534 PMCID: PMC9518159 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191710803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Attachment characteristics play a key role in mental health and in understanding mental disorders. The aim of this study was to gain insight into the role the attachment characteristics can play in treatment effects in adult patients with intrapsychic and interpersonal problems who underwent Equine-assisted Short-term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy (ESTPP). In the first part of the study, we compared the effects of ESTPP to treatment-as-usual from a previous dataset regarding psychological dysfunction. For this, an explorative experimental non-randomized pre-treatment and 1-year post-treatment design was used. A mixed model revealed a significant decline in psychological dysfunction for both conditions, with no significant difference between the two. In the second part of the study, we examined the course of ESTPP effects over the period of 1 year when controlled for attachment styles and, subsequently, for internal working models of self and others. To this end, measurements were taken at baseline, 2 months waiting time, one-week intensive module, 6 months, and one year after the start of the treatment. Mixed models accounted for repeated measures showed significant improvements in psychological dysfunction, remoralization, and depression for ESTPP patients over time. The study implies that models of self and others may be used to predict the course of effects, which is relevant in determining what works for whom. In particularly, duration and intensity of therapy and a focus on the Model of Self seem relevant for shaping a more personalized treatment. ESTPP seems beneficial for patients with low pre-treatment attachment security.
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Affiliation(s)
- Géza Kovács
- Department of Psychology, Open University of the Netherlands, 6419 AT Heerlen, The Netherlands
- SPEL Psychologen Putten, 3881 NE Putten, The Netherlands
| | - Annemiek van Dijke
- PsyQ I-Psy Brijder The Netherlands, Leiden University Medical Centre, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Roeslan Leontjevas
- Department of Psychology, Open University of the Netherlands, 6419 AT Heerlen, The Netherlands
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Sened H, Zilcha-Mano S, Shamay-Tsoory S. Inter-brain plasticity as a biological mechanism of change in psychotherapy: A review and integrative model. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 16:955238. [PMID: 36092652 PMCID: PMC9458846 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.955238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent models of psychopathology and psychotherapy highlight the importance of interpersonal factors. The current review offers a biological perspective on these interpersonal processes by examining inter-brain synchrony-the coupling of brain activity between people interacting with one another. High inter-brain synchrony is associated with better relationships in therapy and in daily life, while deficits in the ability to achieve inter-brain synchrony are associated with a variety of psychological and developmental disorders. The review suggests that therapy improves patients' ability to achieve such synchrony through inter-brain plasticity-a process by which recurring exposure to high inter-brain synchrony leads to lasting change in a person's overall ability to synchronize. Therapeutic sessions provide repeated situations with high inter-brain synchrony. This can lead to a long-term increase in the ability to synchronize, first with the therapist, then generalized to other interpersonal relationships, ultimately leading to symptom reduction. The proposed inter-brain plasticity model offers a novel biological framework for understanding relational change in psychotherapy and its links to various forms of psychopathology and provides testable hypotheses for future research. Understanding this mechanism may help improve existing psychotherapy methods and develop new ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haran Sened
- Department of Psychology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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Daniel S, Wimpory D, Delafield-Butt JT, Malloch S, Holck U, Geretsegger M, Tortora S, Osborne N, Schögler B, Koch S, Elias-Masiques J, Howorth MC, Dunbar P, Swan K, Rochat MJ, Schlochtermeier R, Forster K, Amos P. Rhythmic Relating: Bidirectional Support for Social Timing in Autism Therapies. Front Psychol 2022; 13:793258. [PMID: 35693509 PMCID: PMC9186469 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.793258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We propose Rhythmic Relating for autism: a system of supports for friends, therapists, parents, and educators; a system which aims to augment bidirectional communication and complement existing therapeutic approaches. We begin by summarizing the developmental significance of social timing and the social-motor-synchrony challenges observed in early autism. Meta-analyses conclude the early primacy of such challenges, yet cite the lack of focused therapies. We identify core relational parameters in support of social-motor-synchrony and systematize these using the communicative musicality constructs: pulse; quality; and narrative. Rhythmic Relating aims to augment the clarity, contiguity, and pulse-beat of spontaneous behavior by recruiting rhythmic supports (cues, accents, turbulence) and relatable vitality; facilitating the predictive flow and just-ahead-in-time planning needed for good-enough social timing. From here, we describe possibilities for playful therapeutic interaction, small-step co-regulation, and layered sensorimotor integration. Lastly, we include several clinical case examples demonstrating the use of Rhythmic Relating within four different therapeutic approaches (Dance Movement Therapy, Improvisational Music Therapy, Play Therapy, and Musical Interaction Therapy). These clinical case examples are introduced here and several more are included in the Supplementary Material (Examples of Rhythmic Relating in Practice). A suite of pilot intervention studies is proposed to assess the efficacy of combining Rhythmic Relating with different therapeutic approaches in playful work with individuals with autism. Further experimental hypotheses are outlined, designed to clarify the significance of certain key features of the Rhythmic Relating approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart Daniel
- British Association of Play Therapists, London, United Kingdom
| | - Dawn Wimpory
- BCU Health Board (NHS), Bangor, United Kingdom
- School of Human and Behavioural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan T. Delafield-Butt
- Laboratory for Innovation in Autism, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- School of Education, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen Malloch
- Westmead Psychotherapy Program, School of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ulla Holck
- Music Therapy, Department of Communication and Psychology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Monika Geretsegger
- The Grieg Academy Music Therapy Research Centre, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, Bergen, Norway
| | - Suzi Tortora
- Dancing Dialogue, LCAT, New York, NY, United States
| | - Nigel Osborne
- Department of Music, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Benjaman Schögler
- Perception Movement Action Research Consortium, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Sabine Koch
- Research Institute for Creative Arts Therapies, Alanus University, Alfter, Germany
- School of Therapy Sciences, Creative Arts Therapies, SRH University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Judit Elias-Masiques
- BCU Health Board (NHS), Bangor, United Kingdom
- School of Human and Behavioural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Karrie Swan
- Department of Counseling, Leadership, and Special Education, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO, United States
| | - Magali J. Rochat
- Functional and Molecular Neuroimaging Unit, IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Katharine Forster
- BCU Health Board (NHS), Bangor, United Kingdom
- School of Human and Behavioural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, United Kingdom
| | - Pat Amos
- Independent Researcher, Ardmore, PA, United States
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Narvekar HN, Narvekar HN. Canine-Assisted Therapy in Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Scoping Review. Eur J Integr Med 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eujim.2022.102112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Santaniello A, Garzillo S, Cristiano S, Fioretti A, Menna LF. The Research of Standardized Protocols for Dog Involvement in Animal-Assisted Therapy: A Systematic Review. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11092576. [PMID: 34573542 PMCID: PMC8468867 DOI: 10.3390/ani11092576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Dogs are considered the most important species involved in animal-assisted therapy (AAT), and the scientific literature focuses on the benefits linked to the involvement of dogs in various therapeutic areas. In this study, we carried out a systematic review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, exploring the scientific literature from the last 5 years (2016-2021) on three databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) to highlight the characteristics of the dogs involved in AATs. Based on the scientific literature relevant to such dogs, we considered different parameters (i.e., number, age, sex, breed, temperament, methods of choice and training, health status, research goals, and activities with dogs) to include studies in our paper. After screening 4331 papers identified on the searched databases, we selected 38 articles that met the inclusion criteria. Analysis of the included articles showed that the characteristics of the dogs were neglected. Our findings indicated a lack of information about the dogs, as well as the absence of standardized and univocal criteria for dog selection, training programs, and health protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Santaniello
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, 80134 Naples, Italy; (S.G.); (A.F.)
- Correspondence: (A.S.); (L.F.M.); Tel.: +39-0812536134 (A.S. & L.F.M.)
| | - Susanne Garzillo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, 80134 Naples, Italy; (S.G.); (A.F.)
| | - Serena Cristiano
- SInAPSi Center, University of Naples Federico II, 80133 Naples, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Fioretti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, 80134 Naples, Italy; (S.G.); (A.F.)
| | - Lucia Francesca Menna
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, 80134 Naples, Italy; (S.G.); (A.F.)
- Correspondence: (A.S.); (L.F.M.); Tel.: +39-0812536134 (A.S. & L.F.M.)
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Piotti P, Albertini M, Trabucco LP, Ripari L, Karagiannis C, Bandi C, Pirrone F. Personality and Cognitive Profiles of Animal-Assisted Intervention Dogs and Pet Dogs in an Unsolvable Task. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11072144. [PMID: 34359271 PMCID: PMC8300800 DOI: 10.3390/ani11072144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Dogs are biologically predisposed to communicate with humans in cooperative contexts. They show individual differences in dog-human communication and inhibition, potentially enhanced by life experience, e.g., Animal-Assisted Interventions. This study aimed to investigate whether dogs' personality, defined by biologically meaningful neural circuits described in the Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory of Personality (RST), predicted dogs' communication, task orientation, emotional state, and approach of an unsolvable task. We also investigated the differences between dogs experienced in Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI) and inexperienced dogs. The results indicated that a high sensitivity to the RST personality trait related to managing uncertainty (Behavioural Inhibition System, BIS) predicted fewer task orientations but increased referential and non-referential looking, which we interpreted as a way to obtain directions from the owner. Conversely, a high sensitivity to the traits reflecting tendencies to approach rewards (Behavioural Approach System, BAS) and avoid punishment (Fight-Flight-Freeze System, FFFS) predicted lower looking. High sensitivity to the FFFS also predicted more frequent task orientations, which we interpreted as frustration. Finally, the dogs in the AAI program looked more at their owner and were less oriented towards the task. These results provide empirical evidence of individual differences tied to the psychobiological personality traits in canine cognitive skills. Understanding such cognitive profiles may have an enormous impact on activities that rely upon dog-human collaborative interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Piotti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (P.P.); (F.P.)
| | - Mariangela Albertini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (P.P.); (F.P.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Lidia Pia Trabucco
- Department of Bioscience, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milano, Italy; (L.P.T.); (C.B.)
| | - Lucia Ripari
- Independent Researcher, Località Rifoglieto, 55011 Altopascio, Italy;
| | - Christos Karagiannis
- Hellenic Institute of Canine and Feline Behaviour & Training, 10434 Athens, Greece;
| | - Claudio Bandi
- Department of Bioscience, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milano, Italy; (L.P.T.); (C.B.)
| | - Federica Pirrone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (P.P.); (F.P.)
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Abstract
AbstractTemporal synchrony is the alignment of processes in time within or across individuals in social interaction and is observed and studied in various domains using wide-ranging paradigms. Evidence suggesting reduced temporal synchrony in autism (e.g. compared to neurotypicals) has hitherto not been reviewed. To systematically review the magnitude and generalisability of the difference across different tasks and contexts, EBSCO, OVID, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched. Thirty-two studies were identified that met our inclusion criteria in audio-visual, audio-motor, visuo-tactile, visuo-motor, social motor, and conversational synchrony domains. Additionally, two intervention studies were included. The findings suggest that autistic participants showed reduced synchrony tendencies in every category of temporal synchrony reviewed. Implications, methodological weaknesses, and evidence gaps are discussed.
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Santaniello A, Varriale L, Dipineto L, Borrelli L, Pace A, Fioretti A, Menna LF. Presence of Campylobacterjejuni and C. coli in Dogs under Training for Animal-Assisted Therapies. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:3717. [PMID: 33918252 PMCID: PMC8038157 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18073717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
This study was conducted to evaluate the presence of Campylobacter (C.) jejuni and C. coli in dogs at five dog training centers in Southern Italy. A total of 550 animals were sampled by collecting rectal swabs. The samples were processed to detect thermotolerant Campylobacter spp. by culture and molecular methods. Campylobacter spp. were isolated from 135/550 (24.5-95% confidence interval) dogs. A total of 84 C. jejuni (62.2%) and 51 C. coli (37.8%) isolates were identified using conventional PCR. The dog data (age, sex, breed, and eating habits) were examined by two statistical analyses using the C. jejuni and C. coli status (positive or negative) as dependent variables. Dogs fed home-cooked food showed a higher risk of being positive for C. jejuni than dogs fed dry or canned meat for dogs (50.0%; p < 0.01). Moreover, purebred dogs had a significantly higher risk than crossbred dogs for C. coli positivity (16.4%; p < 0.01). This is the first study on the prevalence of C. jejuni and C. coli in dogs frequenting dog training centers for animal-assisted therapies (AATs). Our findings emphasize the potential zoonotic risk for patients and users involved in AATs settings and highlight the need to carry out ad hoc health checks and to pay attention to the choice of the dog, as well as eating habits, in order to minimize the risk of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Santaniello
- Departments of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, Federico II University of Naples, 80134 Naples, Italy; (L.V.); (L.D.); (L.B.); (A.P.); (A.F.); (L.F.M.)
| | - Lorena Varriale
- Departments of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, Federico II University of Naples, 80134 Naples, Italy; (L.V.); (L.D.); (L.B.); (A.P.); (A.F.); (L.F.M.)
| | - Ludovico Dipineto
- Departments of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, Federico II University of Naples, 80134 Naples, Italy; (L.V.); (L.D.); (L.B.); (A.P.); (A.F.); (L.F.M.)
| | - Luca Borrelli
- Departments of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, Federico II University of Naples, 80134 Naples, Italy; (L.V.); (L.D.); (L.B.); (A.P.); (A.F.); (L.F.M.)
| | - Antonino Pace
- Departments of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, Federico II University of Naples, 80134 Naples, Italy; (L.V.); (L.D.); (L.B.); (A.P.); (A.F.); (L.F.M.)
- Marine Turtle Research Centre, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 80055 Portici, Italy
| | - Alessandro Fioretti
- Departments of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, Federico II University of Naples, 80134 Naples, Italy; (L.V.); (L.D.); (L.B.); (A.P.); (A.F.); (L.F.M.)
| | - Lucia Francesca Menna
- Departments of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, Federico II University of Naples, 80134 Naples, Italy; (L.V.); (L.D.); (L.B.); (A.P.); (A.F.); (L.F.M.)
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Griffioen R, van der Steen S, Cox RFA, Verheggen T, Enders-Slegers MJ. Verbal Interactional Synchronization between Therapist and Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder during Dolphin Assisted Therapy: Five Case Studies. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:E716. [PMID: 31554243 PMCID: PMC6826430 DOI: 10.3390/ani9100716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Synchronizing behaviors in interactions, such as during turn-taking, are often impaired in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Therapies that focus on turn-taking generally lead to increased social skills, less interruptions, and silent pauses, however a positive non-demanding environment is therefore thought to be beneficial. Such an environment can be achieved by incorporating animals into therapy. Our study was guided by the following research questions: (1) How can we characterize the interaction between child and therapist during dolphin-assisted therapy, with regard to synchrony in verbalizations (turn-taking) and (2) does synchrony change over the course of six sessions of therapy? To answer these questions, we performed a cross-recurrence quantification analysis on behavioral data of five children, to give a detailed view of the interaction between therapist and child in the context of dolphin-assisted therapy. We were able to detect synchrony (i.e., adequate turn-taking) in all dyads, although not all children improved equally. The differences might be explained by a delayed reaction time of some children, and their level of language development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Griffioen
- Department of Psychology and Education, Open University of the Netherlands, 6419 AT Heerlen, The Netherlands.
| | - Steffie van der Steen
- Department of Special Needs Education and Youth Care, University of Groningen, 9712 TS Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Ralf F A Cox
- Department of Psychology, University of Groningen, 9712 TS Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Theo Verheggen
- Department of Psychology and Education, Open University of the Netherlands, 6419 AT Heerlen, The Netherlands.
| | - Marie-Jose Enders-Slegers
- Department of Psychology and Education, Open University of the Netherlands, 6419 AT Heerlen, The Netherlands.
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