The Effect of 6 Weeks of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization Exercises on Motor Control, Cardiovascular Fitness, and Respiratory Performance in Overweight and Obese Women.

Background

Obesity is linked to impairments in motor control, cardiovascular fitness, and respiratory function. Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) aims to enhance core stability, diaphragmatic breathing, and neuromuscular coordination. This study investigated the effects of a 6-week DNS program on these functional outcomes in overweight and obese women.

Methods

Thirty-six participants (aged 35-50 years, BMI: 25-34 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n = 18), which underwent DNS training, or a control group (n = 18), which received no intervention. The DNS program consisted of six weekly sessions (three supervised, three home-based), emphasizing core stabilization, diaphragmatic breathing, and neuromuscular coordination. Motor control (lumbar movement control tests), cardiovascular fitness (two-minute step test), and respiratory performance (breath-hold time, respiratory rate, and respiratory muscle strength) were assessed before and after the intervention.

Results

The DNS group demonstrated significant improvements compared to the control group, with notable increases in motor control scores (p < .001) and cardiovascular fitness (p < .001). Additionally, inspiratory and expiratory breath-hold times (p < .001 for both), respiratory rate (p < .001), and maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressures (p < .001) showed substantial enhancements. No significant changes were observed in the control group.

Conclusion

A 6-week DNS exercise program significantly improved motor control, cardiovascular fitness, and respiratory performance in overweight and obese women. These findings support DNS training as an effective intervention for enhancing core stability, breathing efficiency, and neuromuscular coordination, with potential applications in rehabilitation and health promotion.