Table 1

OSAAI (Observational System of Animal Assisted Interventions).

CriterionCategoryCodeDescription
1. Motor-space interactionPostural changesPOSThe body positioning of the students changes level, for example: sitting upright, lying on the mat, seated, etc.
LocomotionLOCThe positioning of the students is standing and in locomotion.
Combination of the aboveCEMAny of the above options combined.
2. KineticStereotyped movementsESTStudents perform repetitive motor movements with no end or apparent significance.
Segmental movementsSEGStudents perform upper or lower limb movements.
Combination of the aboveCCAny of the above options combined.
3. Interactive facial behaviorExpression of emotions of pleasurePLAStudents express pleasure through verbal or non-verbal communication (guttural sounds, laughter, body movements associated with well-being…).
Expression of emotions of displeasureDESStudents express displeasure through verbal or non-verbal communication (guttural sounds of displeasure, crying…). 
NeutralNEUStudents show a neutral behavior, they remain balanced from the emotional point of view, they do not show any of the two emotional extremes previously described.
4. Animal-participant interactionDistance from the animalDISStudents take the action of separating from the animal or rejecting its contact. 
Approach to the animalAPRStudents do the action of intentionally approaching the animal. 
Contact with the animalCONStudents do the action of touching/caressing the animal. 
ManipulationMANStudents do the action of manipulating the animal. It is considered the highest gradient of intentionality on the part of the students.
5. Participant emits to the animalParticipant emits to the animalPANStudents issue information, slogans or refer to the animal. Whether on a verbal or paraverbal level.
6. Adult-participant interactionParticipant emits informationPARStudents issue information addressed to the adult. Whether on a verbal or paraverbal level. 
Adult emits informationADUThe adult provides information addressed to the students. Whether on a verbal or paraverbal level. 
Combination of the aboveCAPAny of the above options combined.
7. Animal-adult interactionRelocation of the animalRECThe adult relocates the animal following pedagogical or animal welfare criteria.