Overview

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.

Syllabus

Foundations of Groundwork

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.

Groundwork Progressions in Practice

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.

Reflective Learning Assignments

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.

Final Course Exam

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.