BACKGROUND

Schizophrenia, a common mental disorder, is associated with cognitive impairment in middle-aged and older adults. Research highlights challenges such as white matter loss, dementia risk, psychosocial issues, nursing home admissions, and limited cognitive benefits from antipsychotics. Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) is an emerging intervention for mental and physical illnesses, including schizophrenia.

METHODS

This quasi-experiment included 20 patients from a health care facility, selected through purposive sampling based on inclusion/exclusion criteria.

RESULTS

AAT significantly improved lower body strength (CST) and cognitive abilities (MOCA- P) but had no effect on agility (TUG). Male participants showed greater improvements than females in all domains: CST (+7.8), TUG (-2.365), and MOCA-P (+12). The dropout rate was 50% for females and 20% for males, primarily due to eligibility for discharge.

CONCLUSION

AAT significantly enhances lower body strength and cognitive function but does not improve agility. It is a safe, feasible adjunct therapy for chronic mental health conditions, though targeted interventions for mobility challenges are needed.

Human ; Schizophrenia ; Cognitive Dysfunction