From Dogs to Robots: Pet-Assisted Interventions for Depression in Older Adults-A Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

ABSTRACT: Background/Objectives: Late-life depression is prevalent yet frequently underdiagnosed, underscoring the need for accessible and safe non-pharmacological approaches. Pet-assisted interventions, including live animal-assisted therapy and robotic pets, have gained attention, but their comparative effectiveness remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate and rank different pet-assisted approaches for reducing depressive symptoms in older adults using network meta-analysis. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library up to August 2025 for randomized controlled trials involving adults aged 60 years or older with depression. The protocol was prospectively registered on INPLASY (INPLASY2025100023). Depression severity, assessed usin

SUBMITTER: Dai ML 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12786183 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature