CompletedNot Applicable

Assessing an Animal-Assisted Treatment Program for Adults With Aphasia: The Persons With Aphasia Training Dogs Program

United States17 participantsStarted 2023-03-30

Plain-language summary

The lives of more than 2 million Americans are affected by aphasia, an acquired language impairment most commonly resulting from stroke that affects the ability to remember and express words. The well-being of these individuals is affected not just by the loss of words that is aphasia, but also the loss of friendships and opportunities for community engagement in which the loss of words can result. This study evaluates an animal-assisted treatment, The Persons with Aphasia Training Dogs (PATD) Program, designed to target the psychosocial consequences of aphasia by training participants in positive reinforcement dog training techniques that harness new skill learning and the advantages of interaction with family- or shelter-dwelling dogs to increase confidence and social engagement to support participants in living well with aphasia.

Who can participate

Age range

21 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion criteria

. Clinical diagnosis of aphasia acquired as the result of cerebro-vascular accident (CVA)
. English as a native or primary language
. Evidence of linguistic and cognitive capacity to understand the research requirements
. Willingness and stamina to participate in the protocol
. Lives within 1 hour driving distance to MRRI (50 Township Line Rd, Elkins Park, PA 19027 and (as appropriate) PSPCA HQ (350 E. Erie Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19134

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Assessment of Living With Aphasia (ALA, Kagan et al., 2010)

Timeframe: Once within approximately 1 week of the end of training, then once approximately 3 months after end of training

PI-adapted Version of Pet Partners Animal-handler Evaluation.

Timeframe: Once within approximately 1 week of the end of training, then once approximately 3 months after end of training

Trial details

NCT IDNCT04610346

SponsorAlbert Einstein Healthcare Network

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2024-08-28

Results submitted2025-08-18

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Aphasia trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range

21 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion criteria

. Clinical diagnosis of aphasia acquired as the result of cerebro-vascular accident (CVA)
. English as a native or primary language
. Evidence of linguistic and cognitive capacity to understand the research requirements
. Willingness and stamina to participate in the protocol
. Lives within 1 hour driving distance to MRRI (50 Township Line Rd, Elkins Park, PA 19027 and (as appropriate) PSPCA HQ (350 E. Erie Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19134

What they're measuring

Assessment of Living With Aphasia (ALA, Kagan et al., 2010)

Timeframe: Once within approximately 1 week of the end of training, then once approximately 3 months after end of training

PI-adapted Version of Pet Partners Animal-handler Evaluation.

Timeframe: Once within approximately 1 week of the end of training, then once approximately 3 months after end of training