Horse power: new therapy hopes to improve movement in SMA children

NCT ID NCT07336602

Not yet recruiting Symptom relief Sponsor: Charles University, Czech Republic Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether a special type of horseback physiotherapy can improve movement, posture, breathing, and quality of life in children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Twenty children aged 2 to 9 years will receive both the horse therapy and standard physiotherapy in random order over two 6-day blocks. The goal is to see if the horse's rhythmic movement helps trigger natural muscle responses better than exercises on the ground.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Equine-assisted physiotherapy (horseback therapy)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a new, enjoyable therapy option to help children with SMA move better and breathe easier.
What could go wrong: This is a very small early-stage trial (20 children) testing a behavioral intervention, so results may not apply widely. The therapy is also intensive and requires access to horses.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

spinal muscular atrophy spinal muscular atrophy, type 1 spinal muscular atrophy, type II spinal muscular atrophy, type III

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

SPINAL MUSCULAR ATROPHY (SMA)

Contacts and locations

Locations

College of Polytechnics Jihlava

Jihlava, 58601, Czechia
Department of Medical Genetics, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University

Prague, 10000, Czechia
Mirákl Hippotherapy Center

Bohuslavice, 58856, Czechia
Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University

Prague, 10000, Czechia

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