Animal-Assisted Treatment in older adults' rehabilitation

effects on balance and on quality of life

Authors

Keywords:

Health of the Elderly, Animal Assisted Therapy, Rehabilitation Services, Postural Balance, Quality of Life

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the effects exerted by Animal-Assisted Treatment on older adults' balance and quality of life, as compared to conventional rehabilitation.

Method: A randomized clinical trial conducted with two groups of aged individuals (from 60 to 79 years old) and lasting 12 weeks, with 2 weekly sessions. Sociodemographic data, health conditions and balance and quality of life assessments were collected. The Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon tests (p<0.05) were used in the statistical analysis.

Results: Both groups presented significant improvements in balance. The group where animals were used presented better gains in quality of life in WHOQOL-Old (Social Participation: p<0.049), WHOQOL-Bref (Physical: p<0.004; and Psychological: p<0.016) and in SF-36 (Physical Function: p<0.009; Physical Performance: p<0.036; Pain: p<0.002; Social Function: p<0.042; and Physical component: p<0.010).

Conclusion: Both approaches promoted benefits; however, the Animal-Assisted Treatment stood out in relation to well-being, functionality and reduction in social isolation among the older adults.

Author Biographies

Ariana Oliveira Santos, State University of Southwest Bahia, Jequié, BA, Brazil.

Physiotherapist. Master of Science in Health Sciences, State University of Southwest Bahia, Jequié, BA, Brazil.

Luciana Moreira Magalhãe de Oliveira, Center at the José Silveira Foundation, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.

Physiotherapist. Specialist in Neuropediatric Intervention, Coordinator of Rehabilitation Centers at the José Silveira Foundation, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.

María Belén Arriaga Gutiérrez, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, BA, Brazil.

Nurse. PhD in Experimental Pathology. Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, BA, Brazil.

Taiana Ribeiro Borges, José Silveira Foundation, Nice Aguiar Rehabilitation Center, Jequié, BA, Brazil.

Physiotherapist. Postgraduate degree in Upper Limb Rehabilitation. José Silveira Foundation, Nice Aguiar Rehabilitation Center, Jequié, BA, Brazil.

Jéssica Nery Novaes Aderne, José Silveira Foundation, Nice Aguiar Rehabilitation Center, Jequié, BA, Brazil.

Physiotherapist. José Silveira Foundation, Nice Aguiar Rehabilitation Center, Jequié, BA, Brazil.

Leonardo Sampaio de Mattos, José Silveira Foundation, Jequié, BA, Brazil.

Physical Education Teacher. Postgraduate degree in physical exercise applied to cardiac rehabilitation and special groups. José Silveira Foundation, Jequié, BA, Brazil.

Eduardo Martins Netto , Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, BA, Brazil.

Medical epidemiologist. Doctor of Medicine and Health, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, BA, Brazil.

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Published

2026-03-11

How to Cite

Santos, A. O., de Oliveira, L. M. M., Gutiérrez, M. B. A., Borges, T. R., Aderne, J. N. N., de Mattos, L. S., & Netto , E. M. (2026). Animal-Assisted Treatment in older adults’ rehabilitation: effects on balance and on quality of life. Cogitare Enfermagem, 31. Retrieved from https://revistas.ufpr.br/cogitare/article/view/100902

Issue

Vol. 31 (2026)

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ORIGINAL ARTICLE

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Copyright (c) 2026 Ariana Oliveira Santos, Luciana Moreira Magalhães de Oliveira, María Belén Arriaga Gutiérrez, Taiana Ribeiro Borges, Jéssica Nery Novaes Aderne, Leonardo Sampaio de Mattos, Eduardo Martins Netto

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