DNS Exercise 1 – Vancouver 2023
DNS Exercise courses are designed to introduce the neurodevelopmental approach to postural stabilization and movement.
Attendees are advised how to start the training of ideal postural-stabilization function in basic, i.e. the easiest, positions and how to progress with the exercise by using more challenging positions, applying resistance, and/or by adding limb movement to meet clients specific requirements and sports goals.
These courses are designed for exercise and rehab professionals, trainers, and clinicians alike.
About DNS
Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization
The nervous system establishes programs that control human posture, movement and gait. This motor control is largely established during the first critical years of life. Therefore, the Prague School emphasizes neurodevelopmental aspects of motor control in order to assess and restore dysfunction of the locomotor system and associated syndromes.
The Prague School of Rehabilitation and Manual Medicine was established by key neurologists/physiatrists, all of whom were giants in the 20th Century rehabilitation movement: Professors Vaclav Vojta, Karel Lewit, Vladimir Janda, and Frantisek Vele.
Based upon the groundbreaking neurodevelopmental and rehabilitation principles described by these mentors, Pavel Kolar has organized the next generation of clinical protocols that are designed to restore and stabilize locomotor function. This rehabilitation approach is called Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS).
Course Description
This course is designed to introduce DNS principles as they relate to exercise and fitness training.
Etiology of musculoskeletal pain, in particular back pain, is often evaluated from an anatomical and biomechanical standpoint, and the influence of external forces (i.e. loading) acting on the spine. What is often missing is the evaluation of internal forces induced by the patients own musculature. The stabilizing function of muscles plays a critical and decisive postural role, which in turn, is dependent on the quality of central nervous system (CNS) control. Kolar's approach to Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) is a new and unique approach explaining the importance of the neurophysiological principles of the movement system. The DNS encompasses principles of developmental kinesiology during the 1st year of life; these principles define ideal posture, breathing stereotypes, and functional joint centration from a neurodevelopmental paradigm. DNS presents a critical set of functional tests to analyze the quality of functional stability of the spinal and joint stabilizers and to assist in finding the key link of dysfunction. The stabilization training approach is based on ontogenetic global postural-locomotor patterns. The primary goal is to optimize the distribution of internal forces of the muscles acting on each segment of the spine and/or any other joint. In the DNS training concept, client education and participation are imperative to reinforce ideal coordination among all stabilizing muscles to achieve the best sports performance.
Course Objectives
- Demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles of developmental kinesiology.
- Describe the relationship between development during the first year of life and dysfunction of the locomotor system in adulthood.
- Discuss and demonstrate the basis of human movement: support, stepping forward, the biomechanics of motor function, the verticalization process & functional joint centration in postural development.
- Evaluate and correct poor respiratory patterns.
- 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 in supine, prone, low kneeling, oblique sit, and quadruped global movements.
- Demonstrate how DNS corrective exercises can be integrated with other exercise strategies.
Course Outline
Approximate times. Please do not use for travel planning purposes.

Certification in DNS
4-8 months of time to practice is required between Exercise I, II & III if the student is taking only the minimum of these 3 courses for certification. We recommend taking additional classes or repeating any for better understanding and learning of the DNS skill set. To ensure adequate practice with clients, the practical test can only be taken one year after completion of the first DNS course (either DNS Exercise I or DNS A) and after passing an online test after the Exercise II course. You may still choose to take DNS Exercise III prior to that 1-year span. However, if you wish to take the trainer certification practical test, you will have to re-take Level III again and sit for the practical test. A practical test can only be taken after successfully passing an online test.
Additional Information
There are no prerequisites to attending this course.
- Electronic Hand-Outs provided by Prague School of Rehabilitation.
- Electronic Certificate of ATTENDANCE distributed by the Prague School of Rehabilitation.
Ready to Register? Start Here
Step #1
Purchase a seat in the course from DNS Rehab Canada below:
DNS Exercise 1 – Vancouver 2023
Saturday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
$695.00
Step #2
Each DNS course participant must pay a small fee (80 Euros) to the Prague School of Rehab, the originators and proprietors of all things DNS. Click on this button to go directly to the Prague School Website and pay your Prague School Fee (80 Euros):
(scroll to the very bottom of the linked page)