What Is Dynamic Movement Intervention® (DMI®)?
A Parent’s Guide
A pediatric therapy approach focused on improving postural control and motor development
Dynamic Movement Intervention® (DMI®): Quick Overview
Type of approach: Pediatric physical therapy technique
Focus: Postural control, balance, and motor development
Sessions called: DMI therapy sessions
Practitioners: DMI-trained physical or occupational therapists
Often used with children working on:
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head and trunk control
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sitting and standing balance
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motor coordination
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functional movement skills
What Is Dynamic Movement Intervention® (DMI®)?
Dynamic Movement Intervention® (DMI®) is a pediatric therapy approach designed to support the development of postural control, balance, and coordinated movement.
Many families first hear about DMI therapy when searching for ways to support a child who is working toward movement milestones such as sitting, standing, balance, or walking.
During DMI sessions, therapists guide children through carefully designed movement challenges that encourage the body to develop automatic postural responses and motor control.
The approach is based on principles of motor development and Neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to learn and adapt through experience.
Rather than focusing on isolated strengthening exercises, DMI therapy focuses on helping the nervous system learn how to organize movement in response to changing positions and balance challenges.
Who Dynamic Movement Intervention Can Help
Dynamic Movement Intervention is most often used by pediatric therapists working with children who benefit from support in developing motor control and postural stability.
Families may encounter DMI therapy when exploring approaches that support children with challenges related to:
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delayed motor development
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muscle tone differences
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balance and posture
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coordination and stability
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functional movement skills
Children receiving DMI therapy may have a variety of developmental or neurological conditions, such as:
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cerebral palsy
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genetic conditions
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developmental delay
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hypotonia (low muscle tone)
Because DMI sessions involve active movement challenges, they are typically guided closely by a trained therapist.
What Happens in a DMI Therapy Session?
During a Dynamic Movement Intervention session, a therapist guides the child through a series of movement and postural challenges designed to stimulate active motor responses.
These activities may include placing the child in positions that encourage them to:
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activate trunk and core muscles
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develop balance reactions
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practice postural control
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respond to movement changes
The therapist carefully supports the child while adjusting the level of challenge so the nervous system can respond and organize new movement patterns.
DMI sessions are typically active and dynamic, encouraging the child’s body to participate in the movement rather than passively receiving assistance.
Many therapists incorporate DMI therapy into broader treatment programs alongside other therapeutic approaches.
The Science of Neuroplasticity
Dynamic Movement Intervention is based in part on the concept of Neuroplasticity.
Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to change and adapt in response to experience.
Movement experiences provide important information to the nervous system. When children are exposed to new movement challenges, the brain can begin organizing new motor patterns and improving coordination.
Therapies that involve active movement and problem-solving aim to stimulate these learning processes in the brain.
Research on Dynamic Movement Intervention
Research specifically focused on Dynamic Movement Intervention is still developing.
However, the principles used in DMI therapy draw from broader research areas including:
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motor learning
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postural control development
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pediatric physical therapy
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neuroplasticity and movement experience
Studies in pediatric motor development suggest that active movement practice and postural challenges can support improvements in motor control and balance.
As the use of DMI therapy continues to grow internationally, additional research examining its outcomes is expected.
How Dynamic Movement Intervention Compares to Other Methods
Dynamic Movement Intervention focuses on active motor responses and postural control guided by a trained therapist.
Families exploring DMI therapy may also encounter other approaches that focus on movement and nervous system learning.
These may include:
• the Feldenkrais Method, which uses gentle movement exploration to support awareness and coordination
• the Anat Baniel Method®, a neuroplasticity-based approach derived from Feldenkrais principles
• Rhythmic Movement Training, which focuses on early developmental movement patterns
While these approaches share an interest in movement and brain learning, they differ in how movement experiences are guided and structured.
Can Parents Use These Principles at Home?
Some principles related to motor learning can also appear in everyday activities.
Parents sometimes support movement development by encouraging children to:
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explore a variety of movement experiences
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practice balance and postural control during play
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engage in active movement activities
Because Dynamic Movement Intervention therapy involves specific positioning and therapist guidance, many families work with trained therapists to ensure activities are appropriate and safe for their child.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dynamic Movement Intervention a therapy?
Yes. Dynamic Movement Intervention® (DMI®) is typically used by licensed therapists as part of pediatric therapy programs.
Are DMI sessions active?
Yes. DMI sessions usually involve active movement challenges that encourage the child to respond with balance reactions and postural control.
Who provides DMI therapy?
DMI therapy is usually provided by licensed physical therapists, occupational therapists, or other trained rehabilitation professionals who have completed Dynamic Movement Intervention training.
How is DMI different from traditional physical therapy?
Traditional physical therapy often focuses on strengthening exercises and practicing specific skills.
DMI therapy focuses more specifically on stimulating postural responses and motor control through dynamic movement experiences.
Find a Dynamic Movement Intervention Practitioner near you
Dynamic Movement Intervention therapy is typically provided by licensed therapists who have completed specialized DMI training programs.
These practitioners may include:
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pediatric physical therapists
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occupational therapists
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other rehabilitation professionals
If you are interested in exploring Dynamic Movement Intervention therapy, you can browse trained practitioners in the directory below.
Dynamic Movement Intervention® and DMI® are registered trademarks of their respective owners.
This page is provided for informational and educational purposes.
