Effects of Animal-assisted Therapy on the Physical Function and Communication of Adults With Autism

Daniel Collado-Mateo24 enrolled

Overview

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.

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.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

NON_RANDOMIZED

Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Autism Spectrum Disorder Autism

Interventions

dog-assisted therapyBEHAVIORAL

It will consist of 20 sessions conducted twice a week in the facilities of the association. It will involve different activities and physical exercises facilitated by the dogs. The program will be conducted in two associations (12 participants in each one, 6 belonging to the experimental and 6 belonging to the control group in each association) and in groups of three participants.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 40 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * 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. Exclusion Criteria: * 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.

Locations (1)

King Juan Carlos University

Móstoles, Madrid, Spain

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Changes in walking performance (10m)

Evaluation of the ability to walk 10 meters in a corridor (time spent)

Time frame: At baseline and inmediately after the intervention (within 7 days after the last session)

Changes in walking performance (6m)

Evaluation of the ability to walk 6 meters in a corridor (time spent)

Time frame: At baseline and inmediately after the intervention (within 7 days after the last session)

Secondary Outcomes

Changes in balance and risk of falling

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.

Time frame: At baseline and inmediately after the intervention (within 7 days after the last session)

Changes in communication without dog

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.

Time frame: At baseline and inmediately after the intervention (within 7 days after the last session)

Changes in communication with dog

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.

Time frame: During sessions (first, intermediate and last one)

Changes in the ability to climb and descend stairs

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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