The effect of animal-assisted interventions on the course of neurological diseases: a systematic review

BACKGROUND: In our experience, working with a therapy animal strengthens endurance, maintains motivation, provides a sense of achievement, and boosts overall mental resilience. The aims of this work were to summarize the results of quantitative research on the possibilities of animal-assisted intervention (AAI) among people with neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular diseases and to attempt to assess the effects of animal-assisted interventions in an objective manner and to find supporting evidence based on published literature. METHODS: Our target groups are people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or stroke. A systematic search of relevant articles was conducted by two independent researchers in April 2021 and August 2023. The search for studies was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, and Ovid databases, specifying keywords and search criteria. The qualitative evaluation of the research reports was conducted by four independent researchers, using the Newcastle–Ottawa Quality Assessment Form. RESULTS: According to the scientific criteria and based on the Newcastle–Ottawa Quality Assessment Form, thirteen publications met the search criteria, out of which 9 publications were rated good and 4 publications were rated poor. Evaluating the publications we found evidence that AAI had a measurable impact on participants, as their physical and mental health status significantly improved; however, mental health improvement was more prominent. CONCLUSIONS: By developing evidence-based research methodology and standardized research settings, AAI could be measured effectively as part of health care practice. This would bring significant benefits to the rehabilitation of patients in need. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42021255776. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13643-023-02387-y.