The purpose of this study is to: Aim 1: Evaluate the feasibility \[consent and refusal rates, attrition rates, length, and number of completed therapy sessions\], and acceptability \[interviews with children and guardians, overall patient and guardian satisfaction\] during inpatient physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) sessions. Hypothesis: Animal-assisted interaction (AAI) with Paro, a robotic baby harp seal, during pediatric inpatient PT/OT sessions will be feasible and acceptable. Aim 2: Assess preliminary efficacy of AAI during PT/OT sessions with Paro on behavior (anxiety and affect) and motivation to participate in rehabilitation in hospitalized children. Hypothesis: Children who use Paro will demonstrate less anxiety, more positive affect, and greater motivation to participate in therapy than those who do not use Paro. Aim 3: Test the stress, anxiety, and depression levels of parents/guardians of children who use Paro inpatient physical and occupational therapy sessions. Hypothesis: In addition, parents and guardians of children that use Paro will report less stress, anxiety, and depression compared to parents/guardians of children that do not use Paro.
Age range
5 Years – 18 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.
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.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
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.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Pain: Wrong-Baker FACES pain rating scale
Timeframe: Change from before therapy session to immediately after therapy session is completed
Anxiety: Children's Anxiety Meter-State (CAM-S)
Timeframe: Change from before therapy session to immediately after therapy session is completed.
Intervention Acceptability
Timeframe: Within 1 week of study completion
Hospital Acquired Infections-Central Line Associated Blood Stream Infections (CLABSI)
Timeframe: Chart review will be conducted from the first day the patient is enrolled until 1 week after study completion.
Hospital Acquired Infections-Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTI)
Timeframe: Chart review will be conducted from the first day the patient is enrolled until 1 week after study completion.
Hospital Acquired Infections-Enteroviruses
Timeframe: Chart review will be conducted from the first day the patient is enrolled until 1 week after study completion.
Hospital Acquired Infections-Influenza
Timeframe: Chart review will be conducted from the first day the patient is enrolled until 1 week after study completion.
Hospital Acquired Infections-Multi-Drug Resistant Organisms
Timeframe: Chart review will be conducted from the first day the patient is enrolled until 1 week after study completion.
Hospital Acquired Infections-Surgical-Site Infections (SSI)
Timeframe: Chart review will be conducted from the first day the patient is enrolled until 1 week after study completion.
Hospital Acquired InfectionsVentilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP)
Timeframe: Chart review will be conducted from the first day the patient is enrolled until 1 week after study completion.
Sedation Exposure
Timeframe: 4 hours after each individual session
Microbial Contamination Screening
Timeframe: Completed immediately after each individual session
Activity performance form
Timeframe: Immediately after each intervention therapy sesison
Physiologic variables-Blood Pressure
Timeframe: Change from before therapy session to immediately after therapy session is completed
Physiologic variables-Respiratory Rate
Timeframe: Change from before therapy session to immediately after therapy session is completed
Physiologic variables
Timeframe: Change from before therapy session to immediately after therapy session is completed
Opinion on Pets
Timeframe: Prior to the start of the first therapy session.
Parent/Guardian Stress
Timeframe: Change from the start of the first therapy session to the end of the final therapy session.
Parent/Guardian Anxiety and Depression
Timeframe: Change from the start of the first therapy session to the end of the final therapy session.
Mood/Affect
Timeframe: Change from the start of the first therapy session to the end of the final therapy session.
Motivation to Participate in Therapy
Timeframe: Immediately after each therapy session.