NCT06887647 Physical Therapy for Montana Children With NMD Using Hippotherapy and the Equine Environment
| NCT ID | NCT06887647 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | — |
| Sponsor | University of Montana |
| Condition | Neuromotor Impairments |
| Study Type | INTERVENTIONAL |
| Enrollment | 24 participants |
| Start Date | 2025-08-20 |
| Primary Completion | 2027-04-30 |
Eligibility & Interventions
Eligibility Fast-Check
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What to Expect as a Participant
You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.
This trial targets 24 participants in total. It began in 2025-08-20 with a primary completion date of 2027-04-30.
⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.
Brief Summary
The goal of this pilot clinical trial is to determine if physical therapy incorporating horses can improve the motor skills of the arms in children 6-17 years old with neuromotor disorders (such as cerebral palsy, spinal muscular atrophy, or spina bifida) compared to standard play-based physical therapy. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Is the study protocol feasible and acceptable for participants, that investigators could apply them to a larger trial? 2. Do participants make improvements toward their goals for motor function, arm use, and participation in life situations following treatment, and is it different between the experimental and comparative intervention groups? 3. What are the physiological, behavioral, and emotional responses of children receiving physical therapy incorporating horses, versus those receiving standard physical therapy? Researchers will compare the experimental group who receive physical therapy incorporating horses to the comparative intervention group who receive standard play-based physical therapy to see if there is a difference in outcomes. Participants will complete a pre- and post-intervention assessment of their motor function and participation in life situations. Participants will receive physical therapy twice a week for 8 weeks for the intervention. In both groups, physiological, behavioral, and emotional responses to the interventions will be measured in 4 total sessions, 1 each at weeks 2, 4, 6, and 8.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 1\) 6-17 years old; 2) Diagnosed NMD with upper extremity impairment; 3) Able to follow simple verbal instructions in English; 4) Able to tolerate sitting on a horse continuously for 30 minutes; and 5) Meet Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) standards for participating in mounted activities. Exclusion Criteria: * 1\) Fear of or aversion to horses; 2) Weight over 200lbs (to protect safety and wellbeing of therapists and equines) 3) Participation in a horseback-riding program in the past 3 months; 4) Lacking independent head control; and 5) Caregivers unable to speak and read English.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT06887647 clinical trial?
This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 6 Years or older, up to 17 Years, studying Neuromotor Impairments. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
Is NCT06887647 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT06887647 is actively recruiting participants. Visit ClinicalTrials.gov or contact University of Montana to inquire about joining.
Where is the NCT06887647 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at Missoula, United States.
Who is sponsoring the NCT06887647 clinical trial?
NCT06887647 is sponsored by University of Montana. The trial plans to enroll 24 participants.