ASSESEMNENT OF FUCTIONAL MOVEMENT PATTERNS IN THROWERS ACCORDING TO THE PROTOCOL OF THE DYNAMIC NEUROMUSCULAR STABILIZATION METHOD

Abstract

Introduction: Throwing disciplines such as shot put, discus throw, javelin throw, and hammer throw impose increased demands on the human motor system. The movement character of throwing disciplines, where there is an undue unilateral load, may be associated with changes in movement patterns in individual segments of the human body, which are subjected to increased stress. The main objective of our study is to test functional movement patterns using the DNS protocol in throwers compared to the general population.     
Method: For the evaluation, the DNS protocol was used. DNS protocol utilizes functional tests. The functional protocol includes breathing stereotype test, intra-abdominal pressure regulation test, diaphragm test, hip flexion test, supine test with legs raised up, trunk and neck flexion test, arm lifting test, trunk extension test, quadruped position test, bear position test, squat test. The participants were evaluated by the DNS protocol tests on a scale from 1 to 4, where 1 means failure and 4 is ideal.   
Results: A significant difference between the tested groups in favor of throwers was only found in the seated breathing stereotype tests for both sides (p = 0.017, resp. p = 0.020) and in the left side squat test (p = 0.035). In the other tests, no significant difference was observed between the individual body segments in the tests (p > 0.05).          
Conclusion: In both groups, functional changes in the motor movement patterns of tests were observed. In throwing sports, suitably chosen exercise can influence athletic performance and reduce occurrence of pain in the musculosceletal system, which was preceded by long-term unilateral stress.  
Keywords: athletics, dynamic neuromuscular stabilization, musculoskeletal pain