NCT07227181 · Andrew Bernard
Animal Assisted Therapy
What this study is about
This study looks at whether walking with a therapy dog helps adult and pediatric trauma patients move more during their hospital stay. Early movement after an injury or surgery can prevent problems such as blood clots, pressure sores, and muscle loss, but pain and anxiety often make it hard for patients to get out of bed.
View original scientific description
This study looks at whether walking with a therapy dog helps adult and pediatric trauma patients move more during their hospital stay. Early movement after an injury or surgery can prevent problems such as blood clots, pressure sores, and muscle loss, but pain and anxiety often make it hard for patients to get out of bed. Each patient in this study takes part in two walking sessions-one with a certified therapy dog and one without a dog. The order is randomized, so some patients walk with the dog first and others walk without the dog first. Before and after each walk, patients fill out short surveys about their pain, anxiety, and motivation to move. The research team measures how far and how long each patient walks in both sessions. The goal of this project is to see if therapy dog visits can safely and effectively improve mobility, reduce pain and anxiety, and make walking more enjoyable for trauma patients. Findings from this study may help hospitals design better rehabilitation programs that use animal-assisted therapy to support physical and emotional recovery.
Interventions
OTHER
Therapy Dog
Patients assigned to AAI in the morning received standard mobilization in the afternoon, and vice versa. In the AAI intervention, patients interacted with the therapy dog and handler
OTHER
Standard mobilization
Patients assigned to AAI in the morning received standard mobilization in the afternoon, and vice versa. Standard mobilization no therapy dog is present
Primary outcome measures
Change in Defense & Veterans Pain Rating Scale
Time frame: baseline and post intervention (1 day)
Before and after each intervention, patients completed surveys assessing pain using the (Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale, DVPRS). Scores on the scale ranged from 0: no pain to 10: worst pain of patient's life.
Change in General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) Scale
Time frame: Baseline and post intervention (1 day)
Before and after each intervention, patients completed surveys assessing anxiety using modified General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). Scaled from not at all to a lot, resulting in a total score that can range from not at all, a litte, some, a lot, with higher values reflecting more severe anxiety symptoms.
General status
Time frame: baseline and post intervention (1 day)
Before and after each intervention, patients completed surveys assessing general status. Used likert scale ranging from very poor to excellent.
Willingness to mobilize
Time frame: baseline and post intervention (1day)
Before and after each intervention, patients completed surveys assessing willingness to mobilize. Used likert scale ranging from no motivation at all to very much.
Mobilization difficulty
Time frame: Baseline and post intervention (1 day)
Before and after each intervention, patients completed surveys assessing mobilization difficulty. Used likert scale ranging from very easy to very hard.
Overall mobility satisfaction
Time frame: Baseline and post intervention (1 day)
Before and after each intervention, patients completed surveys assessing overall mobility satisfaction. Used likert scale ranging from not satisfied to very satisfied.
Change in Wong-Baker Faces Scale
Time frame: Baseline and post intervention (1day)
Before and after each intervention, pediatric patients will use Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale to assess pain. Scores on the scale ranged from 0: "no hurt" to 10: "hurts worst." Participants ages 4-7 will use a modified FACES and 8-17 will use a regular FACES.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Adults (18 years of age and older)
- trauma patients
- emergency general surgery patients
- pediatric patients (4 - 17 years old)
Exclusion criteria
- weight bearing limitation
- spine instability
- oxygen requirement \>2LPM, GCS \<15,
- high fall risk (as evidenced by door label)
- fear of dogs
- allergies to dogs
Where
- Lexington, Kentucky
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jul 24, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations