When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Professional Certificate.
Learn new concepts from industry experts
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Earn a shareable career certificate from Niel Asher Education
There are 4 modules in this course
By the end of this course, you will (1) understand and apply the five foundational positions essential to improving movement efficiency and (2) integrate corrective progressions that enhance performance and rehabilitation outcomes. Presented by Dr. Mark Cheng, a leading authority in corrective exercise and movement restoration, this course breaks down the five Groundwork Positions—Periscope, Sphinx, Crawling, Tall-Kneeling, and Half-Kneeling—to help clinicians, trainers, and therapists retrain motor patterns safely and effectively.
Through in-depth video demonstrations and practical coaching cues, learners gain actionable tools to assess and guide clients at any level of ability. Designed to complement systems such as FMS and SFMA, this course bridges the gap between assessment and application—helping professionals restore balance, coordination, and performance with evidence-based movement strategies.
In this opening module, Dr. Mark Cheng introduces the foundational philosophy behind Prehab Rehab 101 and explains why elite performance and effective rehabilitation rely on the same principles of movement ownership. Drawing from martial arts, strength training, and Functional Movement Systems, he illustrates how poor movement “prerequisites” force the body into compensation, while strong fundamentals expand an athlete’s buffer for safe output and performance. Learners are guided through the essential developmental positions—supine, prone, quadruped, half-kneeling, and standing—and shown how precise setup, controlled breathing, and awareness form the backbone of rehabilitation and athletic progression. Dr. Cheng emphasizes the difference between renting movement and truly owning it, preparing learners for deeper exploration of detailed groundwork progressions.
What's included
6 videos3 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt
Show info about module content
6 videos•Total 34 minutes
Introduction•7 minutes
Periscope•5 minutes
Periscope Debrief•3 minutes
The Sphinx - Part 1•10 minutes
The Sphinx - Part 2•6 minutes
The Sphinx Debrief•3 minutes
3 readings•Total 25 minutes
Syllabus•5 minutes
Course Workbook•10 minutes
Student Notes•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
Module Reflection Quiz•15 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
Introduction•10 minutes
Groundwork Progressions in Practice
Module 2•1 hour to complete
Module details
Module 2 builds directly on the groundwork principles by advancing into crawling, bear position, and wall-supported climbing progressions. Dr. Cheng demonstrates how reducing points of contact (from six to four to two) increases demand on core stability, limb control, and visual engagement. Learners observe how subtle details—neutral spine, forward gaze, hip position, and controlled weight shifting—govern success in these developmental patterns. The module also includes high-level variations such as diagonal stabilizations, partial inversions, and loaded crawling using ropes and sandbags. Throughout, Dr. Cheng provides practical strategies for adapting the work to clients with wrist pain, knee replacements, limited mobility, or rehabilitation needs. The focus remains on mastering technique first, then layering speed, load, and complexity safely.
What's included
10 videos1 reading1 assignment
Show info about module content
10 videos•Total 63 minutes
Crawling - Part 1•9 minutes
Crawling - Part 2•8 minutes
Crawling Debrief•6 minutes
Tall Kneeling - Part 1•8 minutes
Tall Kneeling - Part 2•7 minutes
Tall Kneeling Debrief•4 minutes
Half Kneeling - Part 1•5 minutes
Half Kneeling - Part 2•9 minutes
Half Kneeling Debrief•4 minutes
Summary•3 minutes
1 reading•Total 10 minutes
Student Notes•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
Module Reflection Quiz•15 minutes
Reflective Learning Assignments
Module 3•25 minutes to complete
Module details
This module gives learners the opportunity to apply course concepts through brief, scenario-based tasks. These activities reinforce real-world decision making, communication skills, and professional confidence when working with clients.
What's included
1 assignment1 discussion prompt
Show info about module content
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
Practice Assignment•15 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
Summary•10 minutes
Final Course Exam
Module 4•1 hour to complete
Module details
This final exam is designed to assess your understanding of the key concepts presented throughout the course. Please review all video lessons and written materials before beginning. A passing score of 70% or higher is required to successfully complete the course and earn your CE certificate. You may reference your notes during the exam. Once you pass, your certificate will be available for immediate download.
What's included
1 assignment
Show info about module content
1 assignment•Total 60 minutes
Course Exam•60 minutes
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.
Niel Asher Education is a world leader in evidence-based online education for massage therapists, manual therapists, and allied health professionals. Our mission is to empower practitioners worldwide with accessible, high-quality training that bridges traditional bodywork, modern rehabilitation, and integrative health science.
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I subscribe to this Certificate?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Certificate, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.