EFFECT OF DYNAMIC NEUROMUSCULAR STABILIZATION THERAPY VS PARACHUTE RESISTANCE TRAINING ON PERFORMANCE LEVEL IN RACE WALKERS: COMPARATIVE STUDY

Background: Race walking significantly places stress on the lower extremity joints affecting ADLs. The gait pattern of race walking is different than normal walking that causes biomechanical alterations leading to musculoskeletal disabilities. DNS (Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization) therapy is based on developmental kinesiology and the integration of neurophysiology and biomechanical principles in which each purposeful movement pattern is reinforced by the coordination between every segmented required for postural stability. Parachute Resistance training works on the principle of air resistance and terminal velocity, which helps in improving lower extremity muscle strength and power, decreasing the stress put on joints during physical activity. Methods: The study was completed by using a stratified sampling technique among the race walkers between the age group of 18-29 years, a total of 40 race walkers (20 males and 20 females) were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria by approaching various sports academies. Participants were divided into two groups, Group A and Group B. The groups consisted of 20 participants each. They were verbally interviewed regarding their demographics. Pre-treatment assessment of vo2max and speed was done using the Cooper test and sprint test, respectively. Participants in group A underwent Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization Technique, and group B underwent a Parachute resistance training program, and post-treatment assessment of all the parameters was done. Results: DNS Therapy shows significant improvement in the performance level of race walkers in group A as compared to Group B with p-value 0.003 and 0.001. Conclusion: The study concluded that DNS therapy and Parachute resistance training exercises are equally effective in improving the performance level in race walkers.