Robotic Pets for Older Adults

Overseen By Steven M Albert, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Pittsburgh

Disqualifiers: Uncomfortable with robot, Caregiver < 18

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 6-8 weeks

53 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This research will assess the effect of companion robotic pets on the wellbeing of older adults and their family caregivers.

Research Team

Steven M Albert, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Pittsburgh

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for older adults aged 50+ who are receiving unpaid caregiver support from family or friends for at least 6 months. They must be part of specific programs by the Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging and able to consent. Caregivers under 18 or those uncomfortable with robotic pets in their home cannot join.

Inclusion Criteria

Participating in Family Caregiver Support Program or OPTIONS Program administered by Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging

Able to provide verbal informed consent

I have been a caregiver for a family member or friend for at least 6 months without pay.

Exclusion Criteria

I am uncomfortable with having a robot pet companion at home.

My family caregiver is under 18 years old.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants in the treatment arm receive a Hasbro Joy for All robotic pet and engage with it over the trial period

6-8 weeks

Baseline and follow-up assessments

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in mood and engagement with the robotic pet

6-8 weeks

Follow-up interview

Delayed Treatment

Control group participants receive the robotic pet after the trial period

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Hasbro Joy for All robot pet companion

Trial Overview The study is examining if a Hasbro Joy for All robot pet companion can improve the wellbeing of older adults and reduce stress on their caregivers. Participants will interact with these robotic pets to see how it affects social behavior and dementia.

Participant Groups

Group I: Treatment, Immediate Robot Pet Companion Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will receive a Hasbro Joy for All robotic pet. These are low cost (\< $150), life-like cats and dogs that respond to human interaction by making sounds or turning their head for eye contact. The robot companion pets are designed as supports for older people with cognitive impairment. In this trial, the older person can treat it like a pet or ignore it. Family caregivers will report on engagement with the pet and effects on mood.

Group II: Control, Delayed Robot Pet Companion Active Control 1 Intervention

During the 6-8 week trial, this group will not receive the robot pet companion but will complete baseline and follow-up assessments on teh same schedule as the treatment arm. Participants in this arm will receive the robot pet after the trial.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Pittsburgh

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,820

Recruited

16,360,000+

Allegheny County Department of Human Services, Area Agency on Aging

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

50+