DNS A Course Objectives:
-Improve understanding of the basic principles of developmental kinesiology, emphasizing development during the first year of life.
-Identify and describe critical milestones in human development.
-Introduce the three levels of sensorimotor control in functional assessment and treatment.
-Demonstrate the relationship between development during the first year of life and pathology of the locomotor system in adulthood.
-Introduce new terminologies pertinent to rehabilitation, such as functional joint centration, punctum fixum, punctum mobile and the integrated stabilizing system of the spine.
-Define ideal postural stabilization from a developmental perspective: intra-abdominal pressure regulation, the dual role of the diaphragm in stabilization and respiration, and stabilization via co-contraction.
-Identify common stereotypes of faulty postural stabilization (“open scissors syndrome,” forward drawn posture, backward drawn posture, “hourglass syndrome”).
-Explain and demonstrate biomechanics of undifferentiated, ipsilateral and contralateral postural-locomotion patterns; closed and opened kinematic chains, stepping forward and supporting function.
-Evaluate and correct poor respiratory patterns.
-Demonstrate the correlation between poor respiration patterns and functional pathology of the locomotor system.
-Assess the integrated stabilizing system of the spine visually and by utilizing dynamic functional tests.
-Integrate corrective exercises based on the DNS functional tests and developmental positions: exercise in undifferentiated static positions; position transfer during locomotor function; exercise progression using unstable surfaces; increased difficulty of the exercises utilizing resistance, dual tasking and other challenges.
-Clarify how DNS corrective exercises can integrate with other exercise strategies.
-Cover the basics of the application of the DNS concept in sports training.
-Provide essential clinical management explanations for clinicians to better integrate the DNS approach in their regular practice, including patient education.
-Optimal preparation for DNS B Course.
