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Completed

NCT Number: NCT06246734

Companion Robotic Pets and Older Adults

This research will assess the effect of companion robotic pets on the wellbeing of older adults and their family caregivers.

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Key information

Conditions

Dementia Behavior Behavioral Symptoms Brain Diseases Caregiver Burden Central Nervous System Diseases Mental Disorders Nervous System Diseases Neurocognitive Disorders Social Behavior Stress, Psychological

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

University of Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15261, United States

About this study

Social robot pets have been shown to have a positive impact on age-related physical, cognitive, emotional, and social challenges that affect independence and quality of life. These "pets" are designed to interact with people as a real pet might. They purr when stroked, make eye contact, have a heartbeat, turn toward a person when touched, are warm, and appear lifelike. Does introduction of such a pet reduce loneliness or promote engagement in older adults with cognitive or physical disability?

This research will determine if:

  • Older adults with disabilities engage with such robotic companions;
  • Placing a robotic pet in a home enhances mood and positive affect in older people;
  • Caregivers to these adults find the robots beneficial for their own mood and time use.

In a single-blind randomized controlled trial over 6-8 weeks, we hypothesize that older adults in the intervention arm will engage with the pets and show benefit in mood as reported by family caregivers.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Participating in Family Caregiver Support Program or OPTIONS Program administered by Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging
  • Provide unpaid family or friend caregiver support for at least 6 months
  • Older person aged 50+
  • Able to provide verbal informed consent

Exclusion criteria

  • Uncomfortable with robot pet companion in home
  • Family Caregiver < 18 years age

Treatment and study plan

Hasbro Joy for All robot pet companion

Behavioral

The robot pets are stuffed animals (dogs and cats) that have features that make them seem lifelike. For example, the animal toys turn their heads when petted, purr or make puppy sounds, feel warm, have a heartbeat, and go to sleep when they are ignored. They respond to attention and petting like a real pet. The robot pets do not collect information and do not require any maintenance, except a battery. Engagement with the device is at the discretion of participants.

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in Positive Affect Scale from Baseline to 6-8 weeks

    Time frame: Baseline and Follow-up, 6-8 weeks later

    PROMIS Positive Affect Short Form 15a Scale: The PROMIS measures are normed for population probability samples, with raw scores transformed into T scores (mean 50, SD=10). The scale measures positive emotion (e.g., enjoyment, engagement, serenity).

  2. Change in Negative Affect from Baseline to 6-8 weeks

    Time frame: Baseline and Follow-up, 6-8 weeks later

    PROMIS Emotional Distress and Anger Short Form Scale: The PROMIS measures are normed for population probability samples, with raw scores transformed into T scores (mean = 50, SD=10). The scale measures emotional distress (e.g., irritability, anger).

Other outcomes

  1. Engagement with Pet

    Time frame: Follow-up interview, 6-8 weeks after baseline

    Adapted companion animal questionnaire, treatment arm. The scale measures daily involvement with a pet, such as the frequency of holding the animal, sleeping in the same room, feeling responsible for the animal). Scale scores range from 6-30.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Pittsburgh

Other

Collaborators

  • Allegheny County Department of Human Services, Area Agency on Aging

Registry information

Official study title

Effect of Companion Robotic Pets on Older Adult Well-Being

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2024
Study completion
2024
First posted
Feb 7, 2024
Registry last updated
Jan 9, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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