Module 2 Benefits and Research

Benefits Lowered blood pressure and heart rate; calming influence Higher pain tolerance Increase motivation Improved social interactions and communications

Benefits Continued Decrease aggression and agitation Decreased muscle rigidity Psychological benefits: improved self-esteem, greater feelings of security, reduced stress and anxiety More home like environment

Evidence Based Research Occupational Therapy Incorporating Animals for Children with Autism: a pilot investigation 2 forms of therapy Therapy sessions focused on facilitating sensory integration, language use, sensory skills, and motor skills Results: therapy with animals, children had significantly greater use of language and social interaction (Sams, Fortney, & Willenbring,2005)

Evidence Based Research Animal-Assisted Therapy for Persons with Aphasia Participants attended one semester of traditional therapy and one semester of animal assisted therapy Results: AAT sessions more motivation, lighter atmosphere, more enjoyable and less stressful (Macauley, 2006)

Evidence Based Research Animal-Assisted Therapy for Children with Pervasive Developmental Disorders Children were exposed to three different conditions: therapy with a nonsocial toy, a stuffed dog, and a live dog Results: children exhibited a more playful mood, were more focused, and were more aware of their social environment when in the presence of a therapy dog (Martin & Farnum, 2002)

Evidence Based Research Using a therapy dog to alleviate the agitation and desocialization of people with Alzheimer’s disease Each participant participated in two thirty minute sessions of researcher alone or researcher with a dog Results: significantly less agitated/aggressive behaviors and more social behaviors when the dog was present (Churchill, Safaoui, McCabe, & Baun,1999)

Evidence Based Research Service Dog Training Program for Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress in Service Members Wounded warriors participating in the training of service dogs that would then go to a veteran in need Results: relief from PTSD symptoms, increase in patience, impulse control, emotional regulation, improved sleep, decreased depression and pain medication, and lower stress levels (Young, Olmert, & Lee, 2012)

Occupational Therapist’s Views on AAT Resident and Therapist Views of AAT: Implications for Occupational Therapy Practice Physical benefits Actively recalling memories related to personal pets Increased alertness and cognitive ability Smiles persistently throughout session Anticipating the next session Improved social interaction Home like environment (Velde, Cipriani, & Fisher, 2005)

You have now finished module 2 please proceed to module 3 End of Module 2 You have now finished module 2 please proceed to module 3