Title | Family Dog-Assisted Adapted Physical Activity: A Case Study. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2017 |
Authors | Tepfer, A, Ross, S, Macdonald, M, Udell, MAR, Ruaux, C, Baltzer, W |
Journal | Animals (Basel) |
Volume | 7 |
Issue | 5 |
Date Published | 2017 Apr 27 |
Abstract | Purpose: The aim of this case study was to examine the individual effects of an adapted physical activity, animal-assisted intervention (APA-AAI) with the family dog on motor skills, physical activity, and quality of life of a child with cerebral palsy (CP). Method: This study used an A-B-A single-subject design. The assessment phase (phase A) occurred pre- and post-intervention. This consisted of standardized assessments of motor skills, quality of life questionnaires, physical activity (measured using the GT3X+ accelerometer) and the human-animal bond. The intervention (phase B) lasted 8 weeks and consisted of adapted physical activities performed with the family dog once a week for 60 min in a lab setting. In addition, the participant had at-home daily activities to complete with the family dog. Results: Visual analysis was used to analyze the data. Motor skill performance, physical activity, quality of life and human animal interaction gains were observed in each case. Conclusions: These preliminary results provided initial evidence that the family-dog can play a role in healthy lifestyles through APA-AAI in children with CP. |
DOI | 10.3390/ani7050035 |
Alternate Journal | Animals (Basel) |
PubMed ID | 28448430 |