This prospective interventional study evaluates the immediate and sustained effects of intensive equine-assisted physiotherapy in children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). The study compares an intensive equine-assisted physiotherapy program (NEUROEQUIP-SMA) with an individualized physiotherapy program based on SMA standard of care and neuroproprioceptive facilitation and inhibition principles (SMA-SOC-N). Both interventions are delivered as intensive 6-day rehabilitation programs. Outcomes include motor function, postural control, respiratory function, movement quality assessed by three-dimensional motion analysis, neuromuscular activity, quality of life, and selected molecular biomarkers. The study also evaluates the safety and tolerability of intensive rehabilitation in children with SMA.
Age range
1 Year – 10 Years
Sex
ALL
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The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Abdominal Breathing Ability Test
Timeframe: Baseline and end Day 7
Test of Trunk and Cervical Spine Coordination Ability
Timeframe: Baseline and Day 7
Ability to Work With the Center of Gravity
Timeframe: Baseline and day 7
Muscle fatigue
Timeframe: Baseline and Day 7
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Infant Test of Neuromuscular Disorders (CHOP INTEND)
Timeframe: Baseline and Day 7
Hammersmith function scale for children with spinal muscular atrophy
Timeframe: Baseline and Day 7
Deep neck flexor endurance test
Timeframe: Baseline and Day 7
Neck extensor endurance test
Timeframe: Baseline and Day 7
Spirometric measure
Timeframe: Baseline and Day 7