Abstract
The Attention Restoration Theory (ART) indicates interacting with nature (animals) is restorative to directed attention, via activation of involuntary attention (Kaplan, 1995). Dogs specifically have been linked to promoting exercise and stress reduction (Wells, 2009; Wohlfarth et al., 2013). The application of ART to the expenditure of physical effort was currently explored, hypothesizing that live dog interaction may increase effects of ART during an isometric hold. Sixty participants randomly assigned to an interaction group (dog, robot or toy) completed two isometric holds at maximal effort (before and after interaction) while reporting ratings of perceived effort (RPE) and stress. Results show no significant differences between conditions for duration of holds or RPE. However, ratings of stress were lower for dog interaction than other conditions, implying the presence of dogs help alleviate stress, without affecting performance. Further studies are needed to determine whether ART impacts executive control (directed attention) or affect.
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