PURPOSE: To illustrate the use of a trained dog as a therapeutic tool to optimize physical and psychosocial adaptation of clients with ataxia. METHOD: The gait pattern and gait speed of two people with cerebellar ataxia using different gait aids, including a trained intervention dog and an assistance dog, were compared. Participants' experience of working with the dogs was documented via semi-structured interviews. RESULTS: The use of an intervention dog as part of rehabilitation allowed clients to explore the benefits of an assistance dog and to optimize their physical functioning. The assistance dog had a less destabilizing effect than other walking aids on the clients' self-image. CONCLUSION: Trained dogs may represent an innovative and positive alternative for mobility for people with ataxia, improving both physical and psychosocial parameters. Assistance dogs seem to be a suitable gait aid, since they facilitate ambulation, promoting independent mobility.
PURPOSE: To illustrate the use of a trained dog as a therapeutic tool to optimize physical and psychosocial adaptation of clients with ataxia. METHOD: The gait pattern and gait speed of two people with cerebellar ataxia using different gait aids, including a trained intervention dog and an assistance dog, were compared. Participants' experience of working with the dogs was documented via semi-structured interviews. RESULTS: The use of an intervention dog as part of rehabilitation allowed clients to explore the benefits of an assistance dog and to optimize their physical functioning. The assistance dog had a less destabilizing effect than other walking aids on the clients' self-image. CONCLUSION: Trained dogs may represent an innovative and positive alternative for mobility for people with ataxia, improving both physical and psychosocial parameters. Assistance dogs seem to be a suitable gait aid, since they facilitate ambulation, promoting independent mobility.