RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07356206

Between Paws and Affections - Impact of Dog-Assisted Therapy in Fibromyalgia Patients

Between Paws and Affections: Impact of Dog Assisted Therapy on Pain, Emotional Symptoms, and Functioning in Fibromyalgia

Sponsor

University of Minho

Enrollment

60 participants

Start Date

Jan 22, 2026

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Fibromyalgia (FM)

Summary

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and medium-term maintenance of a structured dog-assisted therapy (DAT) protocol, "Entre Patas e Afetos" (Between Paws and Affections), in reducing pain, anxiety and depressive symptoms and in improving functional status and quality of life in Portuguese patients with fibromyalgia (FM) followed at ULS Alto Ave, with systematic outcome assessment in the immediate post intervention phase (T2), 6-month follow-up (T3) and 12-month follow-up (T4).

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This clinical trial is studying Behavioral: Dog Assisted Therapy (DAT - "Between Paws and Affections") and Behavioral: Psychoeducation and Relaxation without Dogs (Control) for people with fibromyalgia (fm). The study is currently recruiting participants at 1 location. People eligible for this study include aged 18 Years and older.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

BEHAVIORALBehavioral: Dog Assisted Therapy (DAT - "Between Paws and Affections")

Dog Assisted Therapy (DAT - "Between Paws and Affections") - Intervention group that will receive a total of 10 group sessions at the Psychiatry Day Hospital of ULS Alto Ave, organized into 4 weekly structured sessions (combining psychoeducation on fibromyalgia and chronic pain, functional training and self care, lifestyle counseling and guided relaxation, all mediated by trained therapy dogs and a professional dog handler), followed by 6 monthly guided relaxation "booster" sessions with the dogs.

BEHAVIORALBehavioral: Psychoeducation and Relaxation without Dogs (Control)

Control group that will receive the same 10 session program, with structure, duration and content identical to the DAT arm (4 weekly structured psychoeducation and functional/self care sessions plus 6 monthly guided relaxation "booster" sessions), but delivered entirely without dogs.