USING DYNAMIC NEUROMUSCULAR STABILIZATION TO FACILITATE INTRA- ABDOMINAL PRESSURE REGULATION FOR IMPROVED SHOULDER OUTCOMES IN VOLLEYBALL ATHLETES POST-LABRUM TEAR
Date of Award
Spring 2-26-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Exercise Science
Department
Kinesiology
First Advisor
Dr. Denise Howard
Second Advisor
Dr. Ryan Hubbard
Abstract
This graduate research project proposal seeks to explore how Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) may affect shoulder rehabilitation for volleyball athletes recovering from a labral tear. Given the link of Intra-Abdominal Pressure (IAP) regulation and respiratory mechanics to improved functional outcomes, this study seeks to use DNS to improve stabilization outcome measures of the shoulder, facilitating a safe return to sport. The study will involve male and female college volleyball players who have undergone arthroscopic surgery and are in the later stages of rehabilitation. Participants will be equally divided into control and experimental groups, with the experimental group participating in a supplemental routine consisting of DNS corrective exercises while wearing a Core360 Belt. Pre-and post-intervention assessments include the Upper Extremity Patterns from the Selective Functional Movement Assessment, various shoulder range of motion measurements, and the Upper Quarter Y-Balance Test. The findings could help establish DNS as a viable intervention for improving rehabilitation outcomes and inform discharge criteria for volleyball athletes post-labrum injury.