Impact of animal-assisted therapy for outpatients with fibromyalgia

摘要: Objectives. Animal-assisted therapy using dogs trained to be calm and provide comfort strangers has been used as a complementary for range of medical conditions. This study was designed evaluate the effects brief dog visits fibromyalgia patients attending tertiary outpatient pain management facility compared with time spent in waiting room. Design. Open label room control. Setting. Tertiary care, university-based, clinic. Subjects. A convenience sample obtained through advertisements posted clinic. Interventions. Participants were able spend clinic certified instead area. When not available, individuals remained area. Outcome Measures. Self-reported pain, fatigue, emotional distress recorded 11-point numeric rating scales before after visit or time. Results. Data evaluated from 106 49 controls, no significant between-group demographic differences participants. Average intervention duration 12 minutes 17 control. Significant improvements reported mood, other measures among visit, but Clinically meaningful relief (≥2 points severity reduction) occurred 34% 4% Outcome affected by presence comorbid anxiety depression. Conclusions. Brief may valuable outpatients.