Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilisation

This article is a stub.

This page or section deals with a topic that is not widely recognised or accepted.

Please use your clinical judgement and note that this is not necessarily standard practice in NZ.

Dynamic neuromuscular stabilization (DNS) is based on principles of developmental kinesiology i.e. the maturing human locomotor system. The approach views certain types of pain and dysfunction having defects in neuromotor programming. DNS was developed by Professor Pavel Kolar in the Czech Republic. It is allegedly practiced widely in many parts of Europe in mainstream clinical centres, but is largely unknown in New Zealand.

Developmental Kinesiology

Ontogenesis is a term that refers to the development of motor functions postnatally. When humans are first born our neurological and locomotor systems are immature, especially when compared to other mammalian species. As our central nervous system matures our postural foundations are increasingly established, with specific motor patterns at certain developmental milestones. The development of these motor patterns are genetically programmed rather than learned.

In the neonatal period and first few weeks of life the spinal and brain stem control systems are dominant. There is functional and structural immaturity with no balance and no postural function. There is no synergy and coordination of the deep spinal stabilising structures to create a fixed point through the pelvis and trunk. There is excessive asymmetry, i.e. if the head is moved then the whole body moves. Primitive reflexes such as the Moro and sucking reflexes are positive.

At the three month point continuing to 18 months we see integration of the subcortical region with the establishment of postural foundations and its synergy, coordination, and timing. There is the development of fixed stabilising points through the trunk and pelvis. With these fixed points the larger muscle groups can work through them allowing isolated movements and we see less asymmetry. Gaze fixation and somatosensory input develop.