Hippotherapy for children with spinal muscular atrophy

The Effect of Intensive Hippotherapy on the Psychomotoric Development of Children With Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Not applicable Interventional Charles University, Czech Republic · NCT05341453

This study is testing whether traditional physiotherapy or hippotherapy helps children with spinal muscular atrophy feel better and improve their movement.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment16 (estimated)
Ages1 Year to 10 Years
SexAll
SponsorCharles University, Czech Republic Academic / other
Locations1 site (Prague)
Trial IDNCT05341453 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effects of two types of physiotherapy on children diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Participants will receive either classic physiotherapy or hippotherapy, with sessions scheduled over six days. The study aims to assess the efficacy of these interventions using advanced biomedical measures, including motion capture systems and molecular biological markers. The primary goal is to compare the effectiveness of these two approaches while ensuring that therapy intensity does not lead to muscle fatigue.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy types I, II, or III who have not changed their medication in the last six months.

Not a fit: Patients with hip subluxation, allergies to horses, or an insurmountable fear of horses may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the quality of life and psychomotor development for children with spinal muscular atrophy.

How similar studies have performed: While there is ongoing discussion about the effectiveness of physiotherapy in SMA, previous studies indicate that physiotherapy does not worsen the condition, suggesting potential for positive outcomes.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* clinic diagnosis SMA (I, II, and III types)
* no changing medicine 6 months at least
* without another grave diseases

Exclusion Criteria:

* hip subluxation
* allergies to horses and the environment of horse stables
* insurmountable fear of the horse

Where this trial is running

Prague

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Spinal Muscular Atrophyhippotherapychildrenpsychomotor developmentphysiotherapyquality of lifeposturemotor skills
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.