Neurological and Physiological Effects of Animal-assisted Therapy for Patients in a Minimally Con… (NCT06931665) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingNot Applicable
Neurological and Physiological Effects of Animal-assisted Therapy for Patients in a Minimally Conscious State
Switzerland26 participantsStarted 2025-07-08
Plain-language summary
This study aims to explore the impact of Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) on brain signal complexity in patients with minimally conscious state (MCS) by analyzing electroencephalogram (EEG) entropy. MCS patients typically exhibit reduced brain entropy compared to healthy individuals, indicating lower brain complexity. The study will assess whether AAT can enhance this complexity, which is crucial for understanding consciousness levels. Entropy, a measure of randomness in brain activity, will be used to evaluate AAT's effectiveness. In addition, electrocardiography (ECG), electrodermal activity (EDA) and behavioral measurements will also be collected.
Who can participate
Age range
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.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Inpatients in one of the study sites
* Acquired brain injury resulting from either traumatic or non-traumatic events
* Diagnosis of MCS defined by CRS-R according to the Aspen criteria (Giacino, 2005)
* Informed consent as documented by signature by the patient's legal representative
* Physiologically stable
* Aged 18 or over
Exclusion Criteria:
* Phobia or allergies to any of the involved animals
* Medical contraindications: acute or chronic disease (e.g. chronic pain, hypertension, heart disease, renal disease, liver disease, diabetes)
* Radical changes in medication (decision made with responsible physician)
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
1
EEG signal complexity 1
Timeframe: Before, during and after AAT and TAU. Approximately three weeks.
2
EEG signal complexity 2
Timeframe: Before, during and after AAT and TAU. Approximately three weeks.
3
EEG signal complexity 3
Timeframe: Before, during and after AAT and TAU. Approximately three weeks.