Dogs may spark brain activity in unresponsive patients
NCT ID NCT06931665
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study explores whether spending time with a therapy animal can increase brain complexity in people who are minimally conscious after a brain injury. Researchers will measure brain waves (EEG), heart rate, and skin responses in 26 patients during animal-assisted therapy sessions. The goal is to see if this gentle interaction can boost brain signals linked to awareness.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Animal Assisted Occupational Therapy (animal-assisted therapy with a dog or other animal)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a new way to help patients in a minimally conscious state by boosting brain activity and awareness.
What could go wrong
This is a very small, early-stage study with only 26 participants. It measures brain signals, not direct recovery, so even positive results may not lead to a proven treatment.
Disclaimer
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Closed-loop tDCS for MCS patients (NCT03810079)
- Vagal Nerve Stimulation for Consciousness Disord NCT04065386
- Brain Stimulation for Consciousness Disorders – NCT07539740
- Brain Activity Measurement in Coma Patients | NCT07485361
- EEG Study on Consciousness After Brain Injury (NCT07455682)
- Consciousness Assessment After Brain Injury – NCT07456020
Contacts and locations
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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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Contact
Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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REHAB Basel
RECRUITINGBasel, Switzerland
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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Service de Neurorééducation, Hopitaux Universitaires Genevois
RECRUITINGGeneva, Switzerland
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••