Effect of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization and Vojta Therapy on Respiratory Complications in Neuromuscular Diseases: A Literature Review

Fatemeh Falahati Nezhad; Aliyeh Daryabor; Mohsen Abedi; Joseph H Smith

doi:10.1016/j.jcm.2023.04.002

Effect of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization and Vojta Therapy on Respiratory Complications in Neuromuscular Diseases: A Literature Review

J Chiropr Med. 2023 Sep;22(3):212-221. doi: 10.1016/j.jcm.2023.04.002. Epub 2023 Jul 15.

Authors

Fatemeh Falahati Nezhad¹, Aliyeh Daryabor², Mohsen Abedi³, Joseph H Smith⁴

Affiliations

¹ Student Research Committee, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Rehabilitation, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
² Physiotherapy Research Center, School of Rehabilitation, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
³ School of Rehabilitation, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
⁴ Department of Health, Nutrition and Exercise Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota.

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to review the literature on the effect of dynamic neuromuscular stabilization (DNS)/Vojta on respiratory complications of neuromuscular diseases.

Methods: The search strategy was conducted, based on the population, intervention, comparison, and outcome method, in the PubMed, Embase, ISI Web of Knowledge, ProQuest, and Scopus databases from inception to August 2021. The quality assessment of included papers was performed through the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. A narrative analysis was performed since a meta-analysis could not be conducted.

Results: A total of 7 papers were chosen for the final assessment. All studies, except 1, evaluated individuals with neurological disease. Three studies evaluated Vojta therapy effects, and 4 studies evaluated DNS effects on respiratory parameters. Although the studies had limitations in their methodology according to the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale, 4 were identified as level 1 evidence. None of the studies reported any adverse effects of Vojta therapy or DNS on respiratory parameters. However, not enough clinical trials were found to examine the effect of DNS on respiratory disease.

Conclusion: Although the studies were weak in internal and external validity, this review suggests that Vojta therapy and DNS may influence respiratory parameters, such as blood gases, diaphragm movements, and functional respiratory parameters, in patients with neuromuscular diseases.

Keywords: Dynamic neuromuscular stabilization, DNS, Vojta, Respiratory, Neuromuscular.

Publication types

Review