title: [Impact of animal-assisted intervention on rehabilitation of patients with spinal cord injury].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The animal-assisted programs represent an interdisciplinary approach. They can be integrated into preventive, therapeutic and rehabilitative processes as complementary methods.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the study was to promote the psychological adaptation and social reintegration of patients who suffered spinal cord injury, as well as reducing depression and feelings of isolation caused by the long hospitalization. The hypothesis of the authors was that the animal-assisted intervention method can be effectively inserted into the rehabilitation process of individuals with spinal cord injury as complementary therapy.
  
  
  METHODS
  15 adults with spinal cord injury participated in the five-week program, twice a week. Participants first filled out a questionnaire on socio-demographics, and after completion of the program they participated in a short, directed interview with open questions. During the field-work, after observing the participants, qualitative data analysis was performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results suggest that the therapeutic animal induced a positive effect on the emotional state of the patients. Participants acquired new skills and knowledge, socialization and group cohesion had been improved.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The authors conclude that the animal-assisted activity complemented by therapeutic elements can be beneficial in patients undergoing spinal cord injury rehabilitation and that knowledge obtained from the study can be helpful in the development of a future animal-assisted therapy program for spinal cord injury patients.
authors.affiliation: Kanizsai Dorottya Kórház Nagykanizsa Szekeres József u. 2-8. 8800.
authors.forename: Amanda
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zsoldos
authors.affiliation: Szent István Egyetem, Állatorvos-tudományi Kar Budapest.
authors.forename: Agnes
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sátori
authors.affiliation: Semmelweis Egyetem, Általános Orvostudományi Kar Magatartástudományi Intézet Budapest.
authors.forename: Agnes
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zana
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D056447:Animal Assisted Therapy / Q000191:economics; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003863:Depression / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010348:Patient Care Team; D011788:Quality of Life; D012934:Social Isolation; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000191:economics / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: animal-assisted activity; animal-assisted intervention; animal-assisted therapy; rehabilitation; rehabilitáció; állatasszisztált aktivitás; állatasszisztált intervenció; állatasszisztált terápia