Subscribe to our Voices Dispatches email to receive a comprehensive summary of the top opinions of the week.
Join our mailing list for our Voices newsletter, which is distributed weekly at no cost.
According to a recent study, spending time with dogs can help decrease stress and anxiety levels.
Brain imaging results from a study of 30 mentally sound adults indicated that engaging with canines, whether through grooming, feeding, or playing, triggers certain electrical brain patterns linked to feelings of calmness, focus, imagination, and attentiveness.
According to the scientists, participants of the study experienced lower levels of fatigue, depression, and stress after engaging in any activities involving dogs.
The researchers stated that while attachment to dogs may have influenced these emotions, the results further demonstrate the effectiveness of canine therapy in decreasing anxiety and stress. This form of treatment is commonly implemented in medical facilities, educational institutions, and correctional facilities.
The researchers used electroencephalogram (EEG) technology to measure the brain activity of 15 men and 15 women, aged 20 and above, for their study published in the journal Plos One.
These individuals came together to interact with, entertain, nourish, groom, pamper, capture images of, embrace, and take a stroll with a sociable and well-behaved four-year-old female poodle. Each activity lasted approximately three minutes.
The scientists reported that the EEG recorded alpha brainwaves during the participants’ interaction and walking with the dog, indicating a state of calm wakefulness.
On the other hand, grooming or softly rubbing the poodle resulted in a rise in beta brainwaves, known for promoting improved focus.
and neurochemicals.
The findings of this research indicate that particular activities with dogs can promote enhanced relaxation, emotional well-being, focus, attentiveness, and imagination through the stimulation of brain activity and neurochemicals.
The researchers found that certain activities for dogs can promote increased brain activity, resulting in improved relaxation, emotional stability, attention, concentration, and creativity.
According to Dr Jacqueline Boyd, a senior lecturer in animal science at Nottingham Trent University, the results of the study are not likely to be unexpected by those who care for dogs.
She stated that studying brain activity in individuals while interacting with dogs of varying types provides valuable insight into the human-canine bond.
Dr. Boyd stated that there may be a bias in the selection of study participants as the focus was on individuals who were already happy and willing to interact with the dog. This means that claims suggesting that interactions with all dogs will benefit everyone should be regarded with caution.
She expressed that the unique factor of participating in a research with a friendly canine should also be noted as a potential limitation of the data.
However, the recording of observable physical reactions during interactions with dogs does indicate a potential link between human-dog interactions and a positive impact on therapy.
Source: independent.co.uk
