Effects of animal-assisted therapy on social behaviour in patients with acquired brain injury: a randomised controlled trial.

摘要: Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is increasingly used to address impaired social competence in patients with acquired brain injury. However, the efficacy of AAT has not been tested these patients. We a randomised, controlled within subject trial determine effects on undergoing stationary neurorehabilitation. Participants received both sessions and paralleled conventional sessions. The patients' behaviour was systematically coded basis video recordings Moreover, mood, treatment motivation satisfaction measured during each session. analysed 222 219 control 19 linear mixed models. Patients showed significantly higher amount AAT. Furthermore, positive emotions, verbal non-verbal communication, were increased presence an animal. Neutral emotions reduced but no effect found regarding negative emotions. Our results show that increases aspects leads emotional involvement injury, reflected engagement, therapeutic