BMC Geriatrics
A mixed-methods feasibility study of dog-assisted exercise therapy in geriatric inpatients
Abstract Background Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is a promising complementary approach in geriatric rehabilitation, but evidence on feasibility and patient experiences remains limited. Methods This exploratory, mixed-methods, two-arm randomized controlled parallel-group design (RCT) compared dog-assisted exercise therapy (intervention) to standard exercise therapy (active control) in geriatric inpatients during a two-week rehabilitation program. Quantitative data on mobility (TUG), depression (HADS-D) symptoms, mo …