title: A Pilot Study to Assess the Feasibility of Group Exercise and Animal-Assisted Therapy in Older Adults.
abstract: This pilot study assessed the feasibility of incorporating animal-assisted therapy teams (ATT) into a 6-week group exercise program for older adults (77 ± 6 years). Fifteen participants were randomly assigned to an exercise with ATT (E+ATT; n = 8) or exercise only (E; n = 7) group. Groups exercised 3x/week for 45 min. Feasibility was assessed by three objectives: (1) ATT will not need extensive preparation beyond their original therapy training; (2) the study will require minimal cost; and (3) ATT must not impair the effectiveness of the exercise program. By the study conclusion, all objectives were met. Time and cost were minimal for ATT, and adherence was 93% and 90% for E+ATT and E, respectively. There were significant improvements in both groups (p ≤ .05) for arm curls, get-up and go, and 6-min walk. The results of this pilot study suggest that it is feasible to incorporate ATT into group exercise programming for older adults.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Sciences, College of Human Sciences, and the Institute of Successful Longevity, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL.
authors.forename: Brandon
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Grubbs
authors.forename: Ashley
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Artese
authors.forename: Karla
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Schmitt
authors.forename: Eileen
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Cormier
authors.forename: Lynn
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Panton
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D056447:Animal Assisted Therapy; D001794:Blood Pressure; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010809:Physical Fitness; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group; D011788:Quality of Life; D016896:Treatment Outcome