Poster Session
Issue Date: August 2020
Published Online: August 01, 2020
Updated: July 29, 2020
The Impacts of Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) on Active Participation in Therapy Sessions: A Descriptive Case Series Study
Ellen Herlache-Pretzer, EdD, OTR/L; Melissa Winkle, OTR/L, FAOTA, CPDT-KA; Kristin Brown, RBT; Brianna Bommarito; Jodi Andres; Sarah Hoffmann; Amanda Ewer
Author Affiliations & Notes
  • Saginaw Valley State University, University Center, MI, USA
  • Dogwood Therapy Services, Albuquerque, NM, USA
  • Saginaw Valley State University, University Center, MI, USA
  • Saginaw Valley State University, University Center, MI, USA
  • Saginaw Valley State University, University Center, MI, USA
  • Saginaw Valley State University, University Center, MI, USA
  • Saginaw Valley State University, University Center, MI, USA
Article Information
Complementary/Alternative Approaches / Neurologic Conditions / Prevention and Intervention
Poster Session   |   August 01, 2020
The Impacts of Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) on Active Participation in Therapy Sessions: A Descriptive Case Series Study
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, August 2020, Vol. 74, 7411515361. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2020.74S1-PO5719
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, August 2020, Vol. 74, 7411515361. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2020.74S1-PO5719
Abstract

Date Presented 03/27/20

This case series examined differences in participation in OT sessions involving AAT versus no AAT. Nine children with neurological conditions completed three similar activities, once with and once without AAT. Repetitions and length of engagement were recorded for each activity. No consistent differences between the conditions were recorded, perhaps because the integration of a dog added a dynamic component, affecting how activities were completed.

Primary Author and Speaker: Ellen Herlache-Pretzer

Additional Authors and Speakers: Melissa Winkle

Contributing Authors: Kristin Brown, Brianna Bommarito, Jodi Andres, Sarah Hoffmann, Amanda Ewer