Comparing the Stress-Reducing Effects of a Robotic Pet and a Weighted Toy
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- The protocol lists: Paro Robotic Companion Seal, Weighted Sensory Toy.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Stress. Basic parameters: from 18 years · All.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- New Zealand
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
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Official title
Comparing the Stress-Reducing Effects of a Robotic Pet and a Weighted Toy: A Randomised Experimental Study
Overview
The goal of this trial is to learn whether interacting with a robotic pet (Paro) or holding a weighted sensory toy can reduce stress in healthy adults after an acute stressful experience. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does interacting with Paro or holding a weighted toy lower self-reported stress and anxiety levels? * Does interacting with Paro or holding a weighted toy lower physiological markers of stress, such as heart rate and blood pressure? Researchers will compare interaction with Paro (robotic pet), interaction with a weighted sensory toy and a control group with no intervention to see which method is most effective in reducing stress. Participants will: 1. Complete a stress induction task (Trier Social Stress Test); 2. Be randomly assigned to interact with Paro, hold a weighted toy, or sit quietly without intervention; 3. Have their heart rate and blood pressure measured; 4. Complete surveys about their stress, anxiety and mood before and after the intervention.
Detailed description
The study investigates the immediate effectiveness of interacting with an interactive robotic pet (Paro, a robotic seal) or a weighted sensory modulation toy for reducing acute stress and anxiety. It aims to determine the comparative efficacy of these interventions relative to a control condition involving quiet relaxation. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three experimental conditions: interaction with Paro, interaction with a weighted sensory toy, or a control group with no intervention.
All participants will first complete baseline measurements, including self-reported anxiety and stress assessments using validated instruments (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, and Visual Analog Scale), as well as physiological indicators of stress (heart rate and blood pressure). Subsequently, participants will undergo the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST), a validated procedure involving a brief public speaking task and mental arithmetic performed under evaluative conditions designed to induce moderate stress. Following the stress induction, participants will repeat stress and anxiety assessments and physiological measurements. They will then engage in their assigned intervention for 15 minutes. Post-intervention measurements of stress and anxiety, physiological markers, and perceived enjoyment/ engagement will be collected. Participants will also provide qualitative feedback regarding their intervention experiences.
Interventions
- Device Paro Robotic Companion Seal
Paro is an interactive robotic companion designed to simulate the behaviour of a baby harp seal. It responds to touch, light, sound, posture and temperature, providing tactile and social interaction for stress relief. - Device Weighted Sensory Toy
A soft, weighted animal-shaped toy (dog) designed to provide deep pressure stimulation. Participants hold or interact with the toy for 15 minutes following a stress induction task to promote relaxation and stress reduction.
Primary outcome measures
- Change in affect (Positive and Negative Affect Schedule - PANAS) [Time frame: Baseline, immediately after stress induction and immediately after intervention (approximately 1 hour total)]
- Change in state anxiety scores (STAI-State short form) [Time frame: Baseline, immediately after stress induction, and immediately after intervention (~1 hour total)]
- Change in subjective stress levels (Visual Analog Scale for stress) [Time frame: Baseline, immediately after stress induction, and immediately after intervention (~1 hour total)]
Secondary outcome measures (4)
- Change in heart rate [Time frame: Baseline, immediately after stress induction and immediately after intervention (approximately 1 hour total)]
- Change in blood pressure [Time frame: Baseline, immediately after stress induction and immediately after intervention (approximately 1 hour total)]
- Participant ratings of enjoyment and engagement (VAS scales) [Time frame: Immediately after intervention (within approximately 1 hour of study start)]
- Qualitative feedback on participant experience [Time frame: Immediately after intervention (within approximately 1 hour of study start)]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
- over 18 years old
- fluent in English
- free from diagnosed anxiety or stress-related disorders
Exclusion criteria
- cardiovascular conditions that may affect heart rate and blood pressure measurements
- existing anxiety disorders or panic disorders.
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: Yes
Study design
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Model
- Parallel assignment
- Masking
- Open label
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
Study locations
New Zealand · 1 center
- University of Auckland — Auckland
Identifiers
NCT: NCT06975007 · 23002