Course Objectives *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”) * DNS A is also often the prerequisite for some speciality and skills courses.