Actively Recruiting
Neurological and Physiological Effects of Animal-assisted Therapy for Patients in a Minimally Conscious State
Led by University of Basel · Updated on 2025-12-18
26
Participants Needed
2
Research Sites
90 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of Basel
Lead Sponsor
R
Rehab Basel
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This study aims to explore the impact of Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) on brain signal complexity in patients with minimally conscious state (MCS) by analyzing electroencephalogram (EEG) entropy. MCS patients typically exhibit reduced brain entropy compared to healthy individuals, indicating lower brain complexity. The study will assess whether AAT can enhance this complexity, which is crucial for understanding consciousness levels. Entropy, a measure of randomness in brain activity, will be used to evaluate AAT's effectiveness. In addition, electrocardiography (ECG), electrodermal activity (EDA) and behavioral measurements will also be collected.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Neurological and Physiological Effects of Animal-assisted Therapy for Patients in a Minimally Conscious State
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Inpatients in one of the study sites
- Acquired brain injury from traumatic or non-traumatic causes
- Diagnosis of Minimally Conscious State defined by CRS-R according to Aspen criteria
- Informed consent signed by the patient's legal representative
- Physiologically stable
- Age 18 years or older
You will not qualify if you...
- Phobia or allergies to any of the animals involved
- Medical contraindications including acute or chronic diseases such as chronic pain, hypertension, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, or diabetes
- Recent radical changes in medication decided with the responsible physician
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 2 locations
1
REHAB Basel
Basel, Switzerland
Actively Recruiting
2
Service de Neurorééducation, Hopitaux Universitaires Genevois
Geneva, Switzerland
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
F
Fabio Carbone, MSc
CONTACT
K
Karin Hediger, Prof
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here