As part of its focus on ‘one health’ and nutritional science, the Purina Institute is drawing attention to a new study, which is a result of a collaboration between Purina and Mayo Clinic.
The study brings a ‘pet-centred treatment option’ to the forefront for patients with fibromyalgia, a chronic centralised pain sensitivity disorder characterised by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues.
The newly-published study researched the impact of animal-assisted activity sessions in patients with fibromyalgia and found benefits from the interaction to both patients and the therapy dogs working to help them.
The National Fibromyalgia Association estimates between 3-6% of the world population suffers from the condition.
“The Better Together study showed therapy animals could be an evidence-based treatment option and healthcare professionals should strongly consider utilising animal-assisted activity in the care of their patients with fibromyalgia,” said Arya Mohabbat, assistant professor of medicine in the Division of General Internal Medicine at Mayo Clinic, and lead Mayo Clinic researcher on the project.
The authors of the study believe that animal-assisted activity should become a standard treatment strategy to help patients manage this chronic condition.
