Equine-Assisted Physiotherapy for Spinal Muscular Atrophy

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.