Guinea pigs helps people recover from catastrophic brain injuries

People who suffer catastrophic brain injuries may recover their social skills quicker by stroking guinea pigs, the Daily Mail reports, citing research findings.

Traumatic brain injuries often affect a patient's ability to feel empathy and express their emotions.

But a study found allowing patients to stroke ''cute animals'' - such as micro pigs, rabbits and donkeys - during rehabilitation sessions nearly doubled how chatty and positive they were.

Researchers believe those who struggle to communicate, battle shame or feel judged by others benefit from our furry friends' ''non-evaluative'' natures.

The research was carried out by the University of Basel in Switzerland and led by psychotherapist  Dr Karin Hediger.

''The results suggest that animal-assisted therapy [AAT] can have a positive effect on the social behaviour of patients with brain injuries,'' she said.

''Animals can be relevant therapeutic partners because they motivate patients to care for the animal.

''Secondly, animals provide a stimulus for patients to actively engage in the therapeutic activities. ''

Traumatic brain injuries affect between 50 and 60million people worldwide every year, the researchers wrote in the journal Scientific Reports.