Clinical A + B
basic level
A practical course for physiotherapists and rehabilitation professionals focused on Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS), an approach developed by Professor Pavel Kolář. Explore the neurophysiological foundations of postural control, principles of functional assessment and the application of developmental positions in treating patients with musculoskeletal dysfunctions.
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About course
A patient performs a squat, raises an arm or changes body position. The movement may appear correct, but this does not necessarily mean that different body segments are working together in an optimal way. Changes in stabilisation strategies, breathing and weight distribution may influence the quality of movement.
How can you recognise these differences and use them to guide your treatment decisions?
Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) is a rehabilitation approach developed by Professor Pavel Kolář, based on the principles of developmental kinesiology and the neurophysiology of motor control. It uses knowledge of human motor development to analyse postural stabilisation, breathing and the function of individual body segments.
During the course, you will learn to assess the quality of stabilisation, intra-abdominal pressure control and the coordination of the diaphragm, trunk muscles and limbs during different movement tasks.
You will explore DNS functional tests and learn to use assessment findings to select appropriate therapeutic positions and exercises.
The programme also covers the analysis of movement patterns that develop during the first year of life and their application in working with adult patients. You will learn to adjust exercise difficulty, introduce limb movements and progressively increase stabilisation demands.
The course consists of two three-day modules combining lectures, clinical demonstrations and extensive hands-on practice. Particular emphasis is placed on assessment precision, appropriate patient guidance and the ability to integrate DNS principles with other rehabilitation approaches.
The aim of the course is to develop the skills needed to assess stabilisation and movement control and to select exercises according to each patient's individual abilities and functional difficulties.
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Modules
- Module A
- Module B
Module A
Course Goals and Description
Improve understanding of the basic principles of developmental kinesiology with an emphasis on development during the first year of life
Identify and describe key milestones in human development
Introduce the three level 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 terminology 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, dual role of the diaphragm in stabilization and respiration, stabilization via co- contraction
Identify common stereotypes of faulty postural stabilization (“open scissors syndrome”, forward drown posture, backward drown posture, “hour glass 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 both visually and 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 application of DNS concept in sport training
Provide basic clinical management explanation for clinicians to better integrate the DNS approach in their regular practice, including patient education
Optimally prepare students for the next level of training (Course “B”)
Module B
Course Goals and Description
Course Objectives
Demonstrate an understanding of developmental kinesiology and its relationship with pathology of the locomotor system: review theory covered in the A course and introduce more advanced theory, namely the verticalization process
Describe the basis for primitive reflexes and postural reactions and their roles in developmental kinesiology
Introduce basic information about reflex locomotion according to Vojta
Perform demonstration of assessments of babies: attendees will be able to recognize ideal and disturbed locomotor patterns and determine developmental age of the babies
Demonstrate and teach proper handling of infants
Demonstration application of DNS assessment and treatment in adult patients with pain and dysfunction within the locomotor system – stabilization assessment and treatment strategy
Postural analysis & testing of integrated spinal stabilization system – review of Course A tests and introduction to additional, advanced tests
Integration of corrective exercises based on newly taught DNS functional tests
Exercise in differentiated ipsilateral and contralateral static positions, position transfer during locomotor function, exercise progression using unstable surface, resistance against “planned movement”, dual tasking and other challenges both in ipsi and contralateral patterns, transition between ipsilateral and contralateral patterns, training of isolated segmental movement
Introduction to cortical functioning – body scheme, quality of relaxation, isolated segmental movements
Provide more complex clinical management explanation for clinicians to better integrate more advanced DNS protocols into clinical practice
Optimally prepare students for the next level of training (Course “C”)