The Effect of Animal Assisted Therapy with a Dog on the Autonomic Nervous System

Abstract

Background & Aims : Animal assisted therapy (AAT) and its therapeutic benefits have gained much attention in recent years. In this study we attempted to evaluate the effects of AAT on the autonomic nervous system. Methods : Ten, normal, healthy adults were recruited for the study. The investigation involved two sessions : an experimental session with a dog, and a control session without a dog. We chose to evaluate the effects of the control and experimental sessions by examining heart rate variability using power spectrum analysis. Results : Cardiac parasympathetic nerve activities in the experimental sessions were significantly higher than in the control sessions. Conclusions : Animal Assisted Therapy with a dog activates the effect of cardiac parasympathetic nerve activities in the heart.