Effect of animal-assisted therapy in the functionality of a child with spastic diplegia: a case study

Abstract

Introduction: Individuals with spastic diplegia present a series of functional impairments due to their physical condition, especially in the lower limbs. Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT), in which the main team member is the animal, begins to stand out, despite not being a much studied therapeutic resource. Objective: This study’s goal was to examine the influence of AAT on functionality. Methods: A qualitative-quantitative case study with a child with spastic diplegia was conducted. The Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) questionnaire and a semi-structured interview were applied to the child's caregiver to measure results. The child’s progress was recorded in the researchers' field diary. Results: At the study’s end, we identified functional improvement in the categories of self-care, mobility and social function. Conclusion: It was felt that the TAA is a fun and exciting therapeutic approach, able to improve the performance of functional activities by the child.