Potential Suitable Methods for Measuring the Effects of Animal-Assisted Activities and Therapy: a Review

Abstract

Abstract Dogs are companions of humans since time beyond memory and their use in rehabilitation processes is increasingly frequent. Dogs can be used for animal-assisted activities (AAA) as well as animal-assisted therapy (AAT). The effects, however, have not been fully demonstrated, reasons for this including difficulties in providing evidence of positive action. According to previous studies, there is a decrease in heart and respiratory rate, blood pressure reduction, more positive mood as well as warming of muscles, which promotes relaxation of spastic areas. Regulation of hormone levels might also occur as a result of AAA/AAT. Indeed, increases in oxytocin levels and decreases of cortisol have been found. However, a unified methodology for clear measuring the entire impact of AAA/AAT on patients is missing. This survey evaluated different methods for measuring the effects of AAA/AAT, with results showing that the most suitable ones, selected on the basis of the effect of rehabilitation, comprise thermography, spectral analysis of heart rate, electromyography (EMG), polyelectromyography (PEMG), and blood sampling. Because AAT making use of dogs has not yet been recognized as an official method of treatment, it is very important to find out objective means to evidence its beneficial effects. Highlights: – Using dogs for AAA/AAT has a positive effect on client’s mental as well as physical condition – AAT promotes motor functions and helps restore appropriate movement patterns – Possible methods to measure the effect of AAA/AAT are thermography, spectral analysis of heart rate, electromyography (EMG), polyelectromyography (PEMG), and blood sampling