DNS or Dynamic Neuromuscolar Stabilisation is a kinesiological approach used by Pavel Kolar based on early childhood development principles.
These principles establish:
- correct posture:
- ideal breathing pattern
- correct function and functioning of the joints
With this approach, we refer to various functional tests to determine whether the points listed above are verified and performed correctly.
Based on the evaluation results, several exercises are then programmed in order to optimise the distribution of the internal muscle strength acting on each segment of the column and joints.
The ontogenesis shows there is a link between neurophysiological and biomechanical principles, which is essential in the diagnosis of locomotor system disorders.
Indeed, with this process, we observe a stabilisation of the curvature of the column, and of the position of the chest and pelvis (at the level of the saggital plane) followed by the homolateral (same side) and contralateral (opposing side) distal locomotion.
The positions
Supine
- Asymmetric head and body position which indicates a head preference (preferred position of the head right or left).
Prone
- Here too, there is a preference for the head with respect to the trunk.
- It is not defined as a load support area, therefore the patient cannot maintain any body segment against gravity.
Supine 4-5 months
- There is a chest, basin and column stabilisation on the saggital surface thanks to the proportional co-activation of agonists and antagonists.
- The load support areas are: nuchal line, shoulder blades, sacrum, upper gluteal sections.
- The infant is now able to lift the pelvis from the lounger to the lumbar trunk junction.
Prone 4-5 months
- The load support areas are: the medial epicondyles, the anterior superior iliac spine, the pubic symphysis.
- The child can lift its head or legs against gravity.
- Column extension movements start at the median thoracic segments.
Motor diagrams
Unilateral distal
One side of the baby's body acts as support while the limbs of the same side stretch or move. In this situation, there is a reciprocal action of the opposite parts of the body.
The glenoid cavity and the acetabulum can act as fixed points while the humeral head and the femoral head rotate around the stabilised regions.
Contralateral distal
In this case, one side acts as a support allowing the opposite limbs to move distally; even in this pattern. there is reciprocity between the two sides of the body.
Posture and breathing are interconnected
During inspiration, the lower chest spreads evenly in all directions and the diaphragm drops and flattens, the collarbones are slightly inclined.
When the newborn is around 5 weeks old, beyond the respiratory function, the diaphragm also develops a postural function, descending and flattening because of its insertions on the lower ribs it becomes an abdominal stabiliser.
The breath
Healthy
- The diaphragm axis is almost horizontal.
- With inhalation, the diaphragm moves downward while the sternum advances.
- Proportional expansion of the lower chest and enlargement of the intercostal spaces.
Pathologic
- Oblique diaphragm axis.
- The chest moves upward during inhalation, and downwards during exhalation.
- Minor or absent expansion of the lower chest with inhalation.
- A concentrated abdominal activity is developed, which in turn is caused by an abnormal shrinkage of the diaphragm towards the central tendon.
Thanks to this incorrect pattern evaluation and correction system, athletes can both prevent injury and improve their performance.
Indeed, incorrect motor and breathing patterns (as a consequence of the first) can increase the risk of injury and decrease performance, strength, speed, and quality.
