๐Ÿ›๏ธ Verified NIH Record โ€ข Updated 2026-07-23

Animal Assisted Therapy (NCT07227181)

Effects of Animal-Assisted Therapy on Trauma Patient's Willingness to Participate in Ambulation

๐ŸŸข Recruiting Observational / Diagnostic ๐Ÿ“‹ Clinical Research Protocol Sponsor: Andrew Bernard

๐Ÿฉบ Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)

This study looks at whether walking with a therapy dog helps adult and pediatric trauma patients move more during their hospital stay. Early movement after an injury or surgery can prevent problems such as blood clots, pressure sores, and muscle loss, but pain and anxiety often make it hard for patients to get out of bed. Each patient in this study takes part in two walking sessions-one with a certified therapy dog and one without a dog. The order is randomized, so some patients walk with the dog first and others walk without the dog first. Before and after each walk, patients fill out short surveys about their pain, anxiety, and motivation to move. The research team measures how far and how long each patient walks in both sessions. The goal of this project is to see if therapy dog visits can safely and effectively improve mobility, reduce pain and anxiety, and make walking more enjoyable for trauma patients. Findings from this study may help hospitals design better rehabilitation programs that use animal-assisted therapy to support physical and emotional recovery.

Who can join: Review the eligibility criteria below.

Location: University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital โ€” Lexington, Kentucky

Age range: 4 Years to 99 Years

๐Ÿงช Interventions in This Study

  • Therapy Dog (OTHER)
  • Standard mobilization (OTHER)

๐Ÿ“‹ "Do I Qualify?" โ€” 1-Minute Self Screener

Instant Checklist

Full eligibility criteria are available on the official NIH protocol. View the criteria โ†—

๐Ÿ“ All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)

  • University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital โ€” Lexington, Kentucky

๐Ÿ“ž Contact the Study Coordinator

Phone: (859) 323-6346

Email: andrew.bernard@uky.edu

Coordinator details come directly from the registered NIH protocol. Confirm the study is still recruiting before traveling.

๐Ÿ’ฐ Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights

  • 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
  • Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA ยง 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
  • Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.

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๐Ÿ’ก How to Participate

  1. Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
  2. Contact the study coordinator using the phone/email above.
  3. Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
  4. Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.
๐Ÿ›๏ธ View Official NIH Record โ†—