Dynamic neuromuscular stabilization exercises improve sensorimotor function and muscle performance in adolescents
Somayeh Mozafari1, Hashem Piri2, Rahman Sheikhhoseini1
1Department of Corrective Exercise & Sport Injury, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran.
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Hearing impairment (HI) affects proprioception and motor control negatively; however, the impact of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) exercises on these parameters of sensorimotor function or motor performance in adolescents is largely unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of a DNS exercise on sensorimotor function and muscle performance in male adolescents with HI. The sample included 22 male adolescents between 10 and 15 years old with HI greater than 70 dB, who were randomly assigned to an intervention (n = 11) and a control group (n = 11). Proprioception, the Functional Movement Screen (FMS), muscle strength, and muscular endurance were assessed at baseline and immediately after the intervention using a clinometer, an FMS kit, a hand-held dynamometer, and the supine bridge, side plank, and V-sit tests. The intervention group used DNS exercises for four weeks, three times per week, at 50 min per session, while the control group maintained their typical lifestyle. ANCOVA and Quade's tests were used to analyze between-group differences. DNS exercises improved proprioceptive performance in the shoulder, ankle, and knee joints (P = 0.001) in the experimental group, with large effect sizes ranging from 0.63 to 0.75. Moreover, FMS scores increased in the deep squat, hurdle step, in-line lunge, active straight leg raise, and rotatory stability (P = 0.001), as well as in shoulder mobility (P = 0.003) and the trunk stability push-up (P = 0.002) subscales, with effect sizes ranging from 0.36 to 0.95. The strength of the shoulder, trunk, and hip muscles (P ≤ 0.002) exhibited significant gains, with effect sizes ranging from 0.40 to 0.69. Additionally, the endurance of the trunk muscles, assessed using the supine bridge, right and left side planks (P = 0.001), and the V-sit (P = 0.006) tests, also enhanced substantially, with effect sizes ranging from 0.31 to 0.79. The findings of the present study suggest that four weeks of DNS exercises result in improvements in FMS, proprioception, and muscle strength in the trunk, upper limb, and lower limb, as well as endurance, in individuals with HI. These findings support the incorporation of DNS exercises into rehabilitation programs to enhance motor control and functional independence in this population. Trial Registration: This study is registered in the clinical trial registry (IRCT20180626040244N6, Date: 06/05/2025).
