Effects of Dog-Assisted Therapy on the Physical Function and Communication Skills of Adults with Autism: A Study Protocol for a Controlled Study
Source abstract
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Despite the scientific evidence of the positive effects of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) in adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), it is not still considered an evidence-based practice for this population. The proposed study will aim to evaluate the effects of a dog-assisted therapy program on gait, posture, and communication skills. Materials and Methods: A total of 24 adults with ASD will participate in this non-randomized controlled trial. The experimental group will involve 12 participants who will receive AAT for 10 weeks, at two sessions per week. The focus of these sessions will be conducting different activities and physical exercises, facilitated by dogs. The control group will receive treatment as usual. The outcome measures will be the ability to walk and climbing stairs, balance, risk of falls and communication skills. Conclusions: The role of dogs as facilitators of the movement may lead to relevant benefits in the gait, posture and communication skills of adults with ASD, improving their ability to perform activities of daily living.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Human-Animal Interaction Studies · Autism Spectrum Disorder Research · Infant Health and Development
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Department of Occupational Therapy, Espacio Terapéutico Gaia, 28770 Madrid, Spain
Centre for Sport Studies, Rey Juan Carlos University, Fuenlabrada, 28943 Madrid, Spain
Physical Activity and Quality of Life Research Group (AFYCAV), Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Extremadura, 10003 Caceres, Spain
Occupational Therapy Department, Asociación de Padres de Niños con Autismo (APNA), 28708 Madrid, Spain
Animal-Assisted Intervention Office, Rey Juan Carlos University, Móstoles, 28933 Madrid, Spain
Department of Communication and Sociology Sciences, King Juan Carlos University, Fuenlabrada, 28943 Madrid, Spain
EFISAL Investigation Group, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Talca 3460000, Chile
Social Action Area, Autismo Madrid Federation, 28029 Madrid, Spain
Animal Nature Association, 28232, Madrid, Spain
Funding
The Industrial Doctorate Spanish National grant program, part of the Strategic Plan on Science and Innovation Support of the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities · Rey Juan Carlos University through the Animal Assisted Intervention Office
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