Study reveals the therapeutic benefits of playing with dogs
In today's fast-paced world, finding tranquility can be challenging. Yet, amidst the chaos, dogs offer a timeless remedy. Beyond companionship, their presence soothes stress and promotes relaxation. Interacting with dogs provides therapeutic benefits for mental and emotional well-being. Engaging with dogs in these ways could strengthen brain waves, promoting calmness, as stated by a recent study published in the journal PLOS One.
What does research say?
Various studies indicate the wide-ranging benefits of interacting with animals, particularly dogs. These include enhanced emotional, physiological, and cognitive well-being, such as increased energy and positive emotions, as well as reduced risk of memory loss. As a result,animal-assisted health interventions are becoming increasingly prevalent across diverse fields, according to the study authors. It offers promising avenues for holistic well-being enhancement.
Beyond general interaction
Previous research frequently adopted a comprehensive approach, evaluating individuals' mood and hormone levels pre and post-interaction with a dog. This was noted by Onyoo Yoo, the study's lead author and a doctoral student at Konkuk University's graduate school in Seoul. In the new study, Yoo and collaborators sought to explore the impact of distinct activities on mood, beyond mere general interaction with a dog.
Poodle play
The study involved 30 healthy adults, averaging 28 years old, who were recruited from pet salons and a dog grooming school in Seongnam, South Korea Conducted in a tranquil atmosphere, participants interacted with a well-trained, 4-year-old female standard Poodle owned by the study's lead author. Activities included meeting, playing, feeding, massaging, grooming, photographing, hugging, and walking the dog.
Increased brain activity
During each activity, the authors monitored participants' brain waves using electroencephalogram tests (EEGs). This noninvasive procedure detects brain electrical activity through electrodes affixed to the scalp. According to the study, engaging in activities like playing and walking with a dog amplified alpha-band oscillations in participants' brain waves. These oscillations typically signify calmess and relaxation and have been associated with decreased mental stress.
Decreased stress
Grooming, playing, and gently massaging the dog correlated with increased beta-band oscillations, indicative of heightened attention and concentration. Following interactions with the poodle, participants reported feeling notably less depressed, anxious, and fatigued. Further studies suggest that the decrease in cortisol levels and the rise in oxytocin may contribute to the physiological alterations observed during human-animal interactions.
