The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of animal-assisted occupational therapy on patient's consciousness, measured via the achievement of predefined, patient-specific goals. 30 patients in a minimally conscious state will be included in this trial with randomized, controlled cross-over design. Patients will be randomized and allocated to either study arm 1 or 2 with an allocation ratio 1/1. In study arm 1, patients (N=15) receive three weeks of two AAT sessions per week followed by three weeks of two control sessions (TAU) per week. In study arm 2, patients (N=15) receive three weeks of two control sessions (TAU) per week followed by three weeks of two AAT sessions per week. Each session lasts 30 minutes. Goal attainment and secondary outcomes will be measured before the study start (pre-measurement, t0), at the end of the first 3 weeks therapy (post-measurement I, t1), at the start of the second 3 weeks (pre-measurement II, t2) as well as at the study end (post-measurement II, t3).
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Amount of goal achievement l: CSR-R
Timeframe: 3 weeks
Amount of goal achievement II: BAVESTA
Timeframe: 3 weeks
Amount of goal achievement III: VAS
Timeframe: 3 weeks