Neuroproprioceptive Equine-Assisted Physiotherapy for Spinal Muscular Atrophy

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Conditions studied: Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)

In brief

This study investigates whether Equine-Assisted Physiotherapy based on Neuro-proprioceptive "Facilitation and Inhibition" (NEUROEQUIP-SMA) can improve movement, posture, breathing, and quality of life in children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). This therapy uses the horse's rhythmic movement together with targeted sensory and manual stimulation to trigger natural motor reactions starting from the pelvis, lower the threshold for muscle activation, and support coordinated motor patterns. The study compares this method with standard individual physiotherapy based on the same neuro-proprioceptive facilitation and inhibition principles, but performed without the horse. Twenty children aged 2 to 9 years will receive both therapies in two separate 6-day blocks, in random order (crossover design). The researchers will assess muscle fatigue, coordination, breathing function, movement quality and quantity, quality of life, and changes in selected blood biomarkers. The results may help develop better rehabilitation strategies for children with SMA who are receiving modern pharmacological or gene therapy.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT07336602

Run by

Charles University, Czech Republic

People needed

20

Starts

2026-04-15

Expected to finish

2026-06-30

Last updated by the study team

2026-01-13

Who can join

Age: 2 and older, up to 9. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Age between 2 and 9 years
• Clinical diagnosis of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type I, II, or III
• Stable health condition for at least 6 months prior to enrollment
• Ability to participate in the study procedures
• Written informed consent provided by a parent or legal guardian

You may not qualify if…

• Hip dislocation
• Known allergy to horses or the stable environment
• Severe fear of horses that would prevent participation in equine-assisted physiotherapy
• Any other medical condition that, in the investigator's opinion, would interfere with safe participation in the study

Where it is running

• College of Polytechnics Jihlava — Jihlava, Czechia
• Department of Medical Genetics, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University — Prague, Czechia
• Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University — Prague, Czechia
• Mirákl Hippotherapy Center — Bohuslavice, Czechia

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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