Comparing the Stress-Reducing Effects of a Robotic Pet and a Weighted Toy

Официальное название

Comparing the Stress-Reducing Effects of a Robotic Pet and a Weighted Toy: A Randomised Experimental Study

Обзор

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.

Подробное описание

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.

Вмешательства

• Устройство 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.
• Устройство 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.

Первичные конечные точки

• Change in affect (Positive and Negative Affect Schedule - PANAS) [Срок оценки: Baseline, immediately after stress induction and immediately after intervention (approximately 1 hour total)]
• Change in state anxiety scores (STAI-State short form) [Срок оценки: Baseline, immediately after stress induction, and immediately after intervention (~1 hour total)]
• Change in subjective stress levels (Visual Analog Scale for stress) [Срок оценки: Baseline, immediately after stress induction, and immediately after intervention (~1 hour total)]

Вторичные конечные точки (4)

• Change in heart rate [Срок оценки: Baseline, immediately after stress induction and immediately after intervention (approximately 1 hour total)]
• Change in blood pressure [Срок оценки: Baseline, immediately after stress induction and immediately after intervention (approximately 1 hour total)]
• Participant ratings of enjoyment and engagement (VAS scales) [Срок оценки: Immediately after intervention (within approximately 1 hour of study start)]
• Qualitative feedback on participant experience [Срок оценки: Immediately after intervention (within approximately 1 hour of study start)]

Критерии участия

Критерии включения

• over 18 years old
• fluent in English
• free from diagnosed anxiety or stress-related disorders

Критерии исключения

• cardiovascular conditions that may affect heart rate and blood pressure measurements
• existing anxiety disorders or panic disorders.

Критерии приведены из реестра в оригинале (на английском). Окончательную оценку соответствия проводит исследовательский центр.

Здоровые добровольцы: Да

Дизайн исследования

Распределение

Рандомизированное

Модель

Параллельные группы

Маскирование

Открытое

Основная цель

Лечение

Центры проведения

Новая Зеландия · 1 центр

• University of Auckland — Auckland

Идентификаторы

NCT: NCT06975007 · 23002

Первоисточники (государственные реестры)

• ClinicalTrials.gov (NIH, США)

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