Learning Objective #1: Describe the normal cardiovascular response to speaking

Learning Objective #2: Describe the moderating effect of the presence of a friendly animal on the cardiovascular response to speaking

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Objective: This study was conducted to examine the moderating effect of the presence of a friendly dog on cardiovascular responses to a mild stressor of elderly individuals. Design: Experimental. Sample, Setting: A sample of 18 older adults (75-94 years old) residing independently in a continuing care community. All had resting blood pressure (BP) in the pre- to mild hypertensive range. The study was conducted in the participant's apartment. Variables Studied: BP and heart rate (HR). Methods: After screening informed consent was obtained, BP was measured twice on two occasions separated by at least one week to determine eligibility. If the volunteer met the BP inclusion criteria and was willing to participate, study informed consent was obtained and the elder participated in the experimental session. In the session, each participant completed two series of activities consisting of sitting quietly for 2 minutes, speaking to the nurse researcher about their daily activities (a mild stressor) for 2 minutes, and sitting quietly for 2 minutes while BP and heart rate (HR) were recorded at one-minute intervals with an automated oscillometric device. The series of activities was conducted twice in succession with a friendly dog present for one session. Order, dog present during the first or the second series, was counterbalanced. Findings: Mean arterial and systolic BP were significantly impacted by the combination of series, order, and activity (repeated measures MANOVA interaction p < .02, p<.05). They did not change when the participants spoke with the dog present, but increased with the dog absent. Diastolic BP and HR were not significantly impacted. Conclusion: The presence of a friendly dog moderates the cardiovascular response to a mild stressor in elderly individuals with pre- to mild hypertension. Additional research will be required to evaluate the generalizability of the stress response moderation to elders' daily lives.