Abstract
A stroke is a condition that can give rise to consequences such as cognitive and physical constraints, which sometimes manifest in the psychological condition of the patient. Such patients commence rehabilitation as soon as is possible, which involves a multi-disciplinary approach to treatment. One aspect of complementary rehabilitation could be animal-assisted therapy (AAT). A total of 15 individuals were split into an experimental group comprising 6 patients (2 males, 4 females), and a control group of 9 patients (3 males, 6 females). The participants in the control group were aged from 43 to 87 years and the experimental group featured participants aged from 45 to 76 years. Both groups received standard physiotherapy and occupational therapy. In addition, the experimental group was supplemented with AAT, with the animal in question being a dog. The tools primarily applied to measure the outcomes were the Barthel index, blood pressure, and heart rate measurements, whereas the Likert scale was employed to discern the mood of the patients. The results showed that changes in the values for heart rate and blood pressure were insignificant. However, a statistically significant aspect of the research pertained to the patients confirming that they felt better after the AAT sessions. Hence, AAT could potentially bolster the effectiveness of other therapies.
Highlights
Stroke is reported as the second most frequent medical condition in modern times
The results show that no statistically significant difference was demonstrated in the control group (p = 0.957) between median heart rate values before and after six week of observed period
No statistically significant difference was evident between the baseline and the post-treatment values for heart rate
Summary
Stroke is reported as the second most frequent medical condition in modern times. The onset of ischemia or hemorrhaging often gives rise to disorders such as paralysis, depression, and aphasia [1,2].Between 50–60% of sufferers experience a motor-related disability that decreases the quality of life [3].Naturally, it is imperative that any subsequent rehabilitation commences promptly afterwards, wherein various methods of physical and occupational therapy are applied, alongside speech therapy [4] and psychotherapy [5].Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) shows potential as a supplementary therapy to standard procedures [6]. Stroke is reported as the second most frequent medical condition in modern times. The onset of ischemia or hemorrhaging often gives rise to disorders such as paralysis, depression, and aphasia [1,2]. Between 50–60% of sufferers experience a motor-related disability that decreases the quality of life [3]. It is imperative that any subsequent rehabilitation commences promptly afterwards, wherein various methods of physical and occupational therapy are applied, alongside speech therapy [4] and psychotherapy [5]. Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) shows potential as a supplementary therapy to standard procedures [6]. Studies have revealed that the presence of an animal can reduce the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, diminishing the risk of physical and mental stress [7]. Tsai et al [8]
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