Effectiveness of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilisation for the Change of Posture Indicators of 7–10-Year-Old Girls

Abstract

Background. Postural disorders are becoming an increasingly common issue among school-aged children and adoles­cents, with a prevalence of 34–50% in Europe. Although the effects of physiotherapy methods on postural correction are widely researched, there is a lack of studies analysing the impact of dynamic neuromuscular stabilisation (DNS) exercises on children’s posture.

Aim. To evaluate the effectiveness of a six-week DNS programme on trunk functional stability, spinal curvatures and pelvic tilt angle, static trunk muscle endurance, scapular positioning, and static and dynamic balance in girls aged 7–10 years.

Methods. The study included 16 female participants with a mean age of 8 ± 1.61 years. Assessments were conducted twice: before and after the DNS intervention. Trunk functional stability was evaluated using the Matthiass Test; spinal curvatures and pelvic tilt were assessed using the DIERS Formetric 4D posture analysis system. Static trunk muscle endurance was measured with the McGill Test, scapular positioning was evaluated using the Lennie Test, and static balance was assessed using the Flamingo Balance Test. Dynamic balance was evaluated with the Y Balance Test.

Results. Following the DNS intervention, the Matthiass Test showed a trend toward improved trunk functional sta­bility, although the differences were not statistically significant. No significant changes in spinal curvatures or pelvic alignment were observed using the DIERS system. Static endurance of all trunk muscle groups significantly increased after the intervention (p < 0.05), with some inter-muscular endurance ratios also showing significant improvements. No significant changes were found in scapular positioning. Static balance significantly improved when standing on the right leg (p < 0.05). In the dynamic balance assessment, significant improvement was observed only in the back­ward-medial and backward-lateral reach directions (p < 0.05), regardless of limb dominance.

Conclusions. The DNS programme improved static trunk muscle endurance and both static and dynamic balance in girls aged 7–10 years but had no significant effect on trunk functional stability, spinal curvature angles, or pelvic tilt positioning.

Keywords: posture; spinal curves; dynamic neuromuscular stabilisation