A motion assistive apparatus may include a receiver allowing a user to intuitively adjust performance of the motion assistive apparatus and a method of controlling the same. The motion assistive apparatus may include a receiver provided to adjust variable characteristics of the motion assistive apparatus, a processor to adjust a variable parameter related to adjustment of the variable characteristics, in response to adjustment of the variable characteristics through the receiver, and an actuator to output changed assist power in response to adjustment of the variable parameter to change the variable characteristics.