Dynamic Core for Kids: Stability in Action

Dynamic Core for Kids: Stability in Action

Shelley Mannell, PT
Julie Wiebe, PT

Course Tools

Course Description:

This 15-hour course is designed to equip pediatric rehabilitation professionals with the knowledge, clinical reasoning, and tools to apply a systems based, neuromuscular central control framework to the specific needs of a variety of neurodiverse children: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Cerebral Palsy (CP), Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), hypotonia, and more.

Primary course content is divided into 2 days.

Day 1: Clinicians will be introduced to a neuromuscular, systems approach to central control (Core Strategy) that is distinct from traditional concepts of core strength. This integrative model uses the diaphragm and breathing mechanics as an access point for central control (aka core stability). This attainable and relevant starting point for pediatric populations impacts multiple intertwined systems including postural control, balance, sensory processing and emotional regulation as well as functional gross and fine motor skills. The development of and challenges to central control in neurotypical and neurodiverse populations are discussed. A specific assessment model of the elements of the central control system (diaphragm, abdominal wall, pelvic floor, and pressure system) is provided. An intertwined understanding of the influence of alignment and external support to optimize availability of the elements of this system is demonstrated.

Day 2: Participants will learn to integrate Core Strategy into treatment, movement, and functional activities that have immediate application to a variety of clinical settings (direct treatment, school, and home programs). Case presentations and small group learning will promote concept synthesis and clinical reasoning to implement Core Strategy in clients of differing ages (preschoolers age 2+, school age and teens) and diagnoses. Participants will also discuss how to integrate Core Strategy Techniques with Neuro-Developmental Treatment handling skills and sensory processing intervention to support a greater range of clients.



Course Objectives

  • Describe the difference between a neuromuscular, systems approach to dynamic central control (‘Core Strategy’) and the traditional musculoskeletal, strength-based concept of ‘core stability’.
  • Articulate the differences in the development of Core Strategy between neurotypical and neurodiverse children.
  • Identify the contribution of efficient and effective core strategy to the development of emotional regulation.
  • Evaluate the behavior and function of the diaphragm, transversus abdominis, pelvic floor, and intra-abdominal pressure system, both as individual components and collectively as an interconnected deep central control system.
  • Develop a well reasoned thought process to individualize a treatment strategy that balances and encourages teamwork for elements of the deep central control system.
  • Provide alignment cueing and external support options to optimize availability of the elements of the deep central control system.
  • Utilize breath mechanics strategies as a pediatric-friendly entry point to access and encourage teamwork in the deep central control system and support movement and function.
  • Implement clinical strategies that integrate a deep to superficial framework of neuromuscular system integration as an underpinning for function, balance, gross and fine motor skills.
  • Synthesize assessment findings to develop a well-reasoned treatment plan for a variety of neurodiverse populations exhibiting challenges with core strategy in movement, balance, emotional regulation, sensory organization, functional motor skills and activities of daily living.

Course schedule

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Course Audience

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Intended Audience: This course is intended for rehabilitation professionals. The course focus on clinical assessment, clinical reasoning and treatment strategy falls under the scope of rehabilitative intervention. Other professionals enter into this for informational purposes only to be understood and applied within their state/jurisdictional scope of practice.

I need a Certificate of Completion

You will have the option of two different course completion certificates depending on the regulatory requirements of your professional licensing body. Option one for international professionals that do not need CEUs and option two for US based PT and PTA professionals that require CEUs (available in 42 states and counting). For both options, new regulations require that you complete all course modules in order, achieve a passing mark on the post-course quiz, and complete a course evaluation to receive a Course Completion Certificate. You will have 3 attempts to achieve a score of at least 70% to unlock the course evaluation. All participants will be eligible for a course completion certificate generated through the Teachable School. Those who require evidence for CEUs must take the additional step of following a link to the regulator website, Redefine Health Education, to receive your CEU Course Completion certificate**

Is the course eligible for CEU's?

**This course is subcontracted to Redefine Health Education and has been approved for 15 CEUs. RHE is a registered CE approval agency of 42 states and counting. Find your state here: www.redefinehealthed.com/ceuinfo. If you have a specific question about CE credit for this course in your state, please direct your inquiry including the course title in which you are interested, to [email protected].

Computer Compatibility Needs

This course is hosted on the teachable.com online streaming service designed to handle any system setup. So if you have a computer and an internet connection you should have access without issue. If you have issues with a slower bandwidth connection then you can change the video settings to a lower quality to help improve any loading issues.

Your Instructor


Shelley Mannell & Julie Wiebe
Shelley Mannell & Julie Wiebe

Shelley Mannell, PT

Shelley has more than 25 years experience treating babies, children and adolescents with physical challenges and gross motor delays. Shelley has been a registered Physiotherapist with the College of Physiotherapy of Ontario since graduating from McMaster University. She is a member of the Neuro-Developmental Treatment Association (C/NDT) and is a regular contributor to various newsletters and online forums.

Shelley began her career in pediatrics at the Niagara Children’s Centre. During her time at the centre she served children in the schools and as outpatients, was coordinator of Orthotic Clinic and served as a founding member of the Early Intervention Team. In 1997 she created HeartSpace Physical Therapy for Children in order to balance her career as a Physical Therapist with her role as a mother.

Shelley has extensive post-graduate study. She is certified in pediatric Neuro-Developmental Treatment (C/NDT) and has completed all her pediatric NDT advanced courses. In addition she has extensive training in Myofascial Release, Craniosacral Therapy, developmental biomechanics and sensory processing intervention as well as attachment theory and treatment. Shelley is also a certified children’s yoga teacher and meditation facilitator and has developed the HeartSpace Yoga and Meditation programme which offers yoga and meditation for children with sensory and motor challenges. Most recently Shelley has co-created the Dynamic Core for Kids approach for the treatment of core stability in children with Julie Wiebe PT.

Join Shelley Mannell on social media: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube

CV: Shelley Mannell, PT


Julie Wiebe, PT, DPT (she/her) has over twenty-five years of clinical experience in Sports Medicine and Pelvic Health, specializing in abdominopelvic, pregnancy and postpartum health for fit and athletic populations. Her passion is to return active patients to fitness and sport after injury and pregnancy and equip professionals to do the same. She has pioneered an integrative approach to promote pelvic health in and through movement and fitness. These strategies have been successfully incorporated by medical providers, rehab practitioners and fitness professionals into a variety of populations (ortho/sports medicine, pelvic health, neurology, and pediatrics). A published author, Dr. Wiebe is a sought after speaker to provide continuing education and lectures internationally at clinics, academic institutions, conferences and professional organizations. She provides direct care to fit and athletic populations through telehealth and her clinical practice. Dr. Wiebe joined the faculty of the University of Michigan-Flint Doctor of Physical Therapy program in 2021. In addition to providing curricular content regarding pregnancy and postpartum recovery, she has pursued her research agenda investigating the relationships between running biomechanics and pelvic health clinical features.

When not trying to change the world one pelvic floor at a time, Julie is happy to focus on her first passions: being mom to the Z’s (Zoe and Zack), and wife to David.

Follow it all and join the conversation with Julie on instagram, twitter and Facebook. Get your questions answered by Julie and find more content on You Tube.

Contact Julie at [email protected]

CV: Julie Wiebe, PT


Course Curriculum


  Module 1: Foundational Concepts
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  Module 2: Developmental Considerations
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  Module 3: Alignment Concepts
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  Module 4: Integrated Systems: Diaphragm
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  Day 2: Concept Review/ Q and A
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  Module 5: Integrated Systems: Pelvic Floor
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  Module 6: Connecting the Synergist
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  Module 7: Rotation
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  Module 8: Clinical Applications (Case Studies)
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  Module 9: Special Populations
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  Post-Course Quiz
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  Have content or tech Questions? Want more info and conversation?
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Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
Can I share a course with a friend or colleague? How does the group discount work?
Each course purchase is for a single viewer only, and may not be shared. If you are interested in group/staff viewing, please contact Shelley Mannell at [email protected] to arrange a group discount code specifically for your group. The larger the group, the larger the discount. Each individual must purchase separately with the discount code, and agree to the terms and conditions (legal). This provides each participant with their own copy to review at their pace, in addition to the opportunity to interact with colleagues as you all work collectively through the material. Real time group online mentoring for Q and A is available with Shelley to support your distance learning as you work through each module or after completing the course. Contact Shelley at [email protected] to set up a group discount and group mentoring.

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