Spending quality time with dogs can help to reduce stress and anxiety levels and it can make you more creative according to a recently published study on the Internet on the PLOS ONE website entitled “Psychophysiological and emotional effects of human–Dog interactions by activity type: An electroencephalogram study”.
Diverse activities between humans and dogs were studied to understand the impact of “activity type”. Brain scans were taken from 30 healthy adult humans which allowed the scientists to assess brain activity when they interacted with dogs focusing on those areas of the brain associated with relaxation, concentration creativity and attention. Fifteen men and 15 women participated. Their ages were 20 years and above.
The participants in the survey reported, “feeling significantly less fatigued, depressed and stressed after all dog-related activities”.
The search was conducted out of the Konkuk University in Seoul, South Korea. The participants played with, groomed, massage, hugged, walked and were photographed with a friendly four-year-old female poodle. Each activity lasted three minutes.
The alpha brain waves were detected when playing or walking with the dog. This reflected “a state of relaxed wakefulness”. When grooming a dog there was an increase in beta brainwaves. These are normally associated with heightened concentration.
The authors of the study led by Onyoo Yoo, said: “This study demonstrated that specific dog activities could activate stronger relaxation, emotional stability, attention, concentration and creativity by facilitating increased brain activity.”
“Our study demonstrates that animal interaction activities, such as playing, walking, massaging, and grooming dogs, have a positive effect by facilitating increased brain activity in healthy participants. This indicates that certain activities activate relaxation, emotional stability, attention, concentration, and creativity. Notably, playing with the dog has an affirmative effect on both relaxation and concentration. Additionally, through a subjective mood assessment, results revealed that interactions with dogs can decrease human stress and induce positive emotional responses.”
Psychophysiological and emotional effects of human–Dog interactions by activity type: An electroencephalogram study
Many studies have found the same benefits for cat caregivers! Let’s not forget our cats. The link below goes to a report on a study which found no benefits. Read it to take a balanced viewpoint. Remember though that not all studies are good.
RELATED: Study says that cats and dogs do not benefit the health of children in the home
