Paediatric Physiotherapy – My experience using Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI)
As a paediatric physiotherapist, I have the privilege of working closely with children and their families each day. One of the therapeutic approaches I use to assist children with achieving their gross motor milestones is Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI). Whether used as a standalone treatment or combined with other approaches, DMI facilitates children improve their coordination, mobility and independence.
Building movement with DMI
DMI is designed to help children with motor delays, using specific exercises that encourage them to move and actively respond. The primary goal of DMI is to improve the control of movements and develop of gross motor milestones including head control, rolling, sitting, standing and walking.
Central to DMI is the concept of neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to change and adapt. When a child practices repeated movements, their brain creates new connections and pathways that support them learn these skills efficiently. Through consistent practice with DMI, a child can develop new motor skills and enhance their overall mobility.
DMI is suitable for children with a range of movement difficulties and is tailored to each child’s unique abilities and goals. This approach ensures that children at various levels of motor function can benefit from this type of intervention. The exercises challenge children to move against gravity and navigate different levels of support, fostering motor skill acquisition.
DMI aids in range of motion and somatosensory development, providing vital feedback to the brain that fine-tunes balance and control. By gradually increasing the difficulty of the exercises, DMI encourages progressive independence in motor skills and helps normalise muscle tone, enabling children to move with confidence and efficiency.
A physical assessment alongside a conversation with the child’s parents will determine whether DMI is used as a treatment. The assessment will identify the child’s motor challenges and goals of the family. Based on this evaluation, we decide on exercises appropriate for the child that focus on areas such as strength, balance and postural control. These exercises require the child to move against gravity and progressively navigate more challenging support systems, encouraging the development of motor skills in response to dynamic stimuli.
Each session involves repeating exercises to help reinforce motor patterns in the child’s body and brain. Over time, these movements become more automatic, leading to improved functionality.
Personalised DMI goals for every child
In my role, I have seen many children progress in their motor skills using DMI as an intervention. DMI may form part or all of the treatment. Families are always included in conversations around treatment approach as each child is different. It is important to consider that DMI is not suitable for all children and families.
DMI can be used to assist a child with motor delays, enhancing their mobility and confidence. By focusing on how the brain can adapt and by using tailored exercises, DMI supports the development of important motor skills, allowing children to reach key milestones. It is important that I consider each child as an individual, which assists me as the therapist and the child’s family establish specific goals to achieve.
About the author
Liam is KEO Care’s Paediatric Physiotherapist and Key Worker. He specialises in neurology and musculoskeletal conditions, focusing his practice on empowering children and their families to achieve their goals. With experience across various healthcare settings in Melbourne, Alice Springs, Launceston, and Tweed Heads, Liam brings a diverse perspective to his practice.
