Central and autonomic nervous system€ 282Enroll Now
Central and autonomic nervous system
Comprehensive basic course on the structure and function of the central and autonomic nervous system, including topics such as damage and plasticity.
- Instructor:
Nora Kern PT MSc und Petra Marsico PT MSc
- Rating:
5/5
- 6 months access
- Certificate included
- Downloadable handout
- Self-paced online learning
€ 282
Course Details:
- Learning Time:
- Access Period:
360-500 minutes
6 months
Course Overview
How does the central nervous system control movement, behaviour, and recovery after injury?
This comprehensive foundation course explores the anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of the central and autonomic nervous systems. Through practical examples and evidence-based explanations, you’ll learn how the brain and nervous system function, how neurological damage affects individuals and their families, and why understanding these processes is essential for effective rehabilitation.
A major focus is placed on neuroplasticity and its role in recovery after brain lesions. You’ll discover how understanding nervous system function enables healthcare professionals to adapt treatment strategies, support functional recovery, and improve patient outcomes in everyday clinical practice.
Practical Application
- Understanding neurological function and behaviour
- Rehabilitation following brain lesions
- Applying neuroplasticity principles in therapy
- Clinical decision-making in neurorehabilitation
- Adapting treatment to individual patient needs
- Improving patient and family support
What you will learn
- Understand the anatomy and function of the central nervous system
- Explore the structure and role of the autonomic nervous system
- Learn how brain lesions affect movement, behaviour, and function
- Apply the principles of neuroplasticity to rehabilitation
- Understand the interaction between motivation, activity, and recovery
- Translate neuroscience into practical clinical decision-making
Course Content
Part 1: Central Nervous System
- Introduction to the Topic
- Brain Cells and the Connectome
- Sections of the Brain
- Meninges and Cranial Nerves
- Ventricles and Cerebrospinal Fluid System
- Spinal Cord and Pathway System
- Knowledge Check
Part 2: Autonomic Nervous System
- Introduction to the Topic
- Sympathetic Nervous System
- Parasympathetic Nervous System
- Interaction Between the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous Systems
- Enteric Nervous System
- Knowledge Check
Part 3: Neuroplasticity
- Introduction to the Topic
- Function and Neuroplasticity
- Neuroplasticity After Brain Lesions
- Planning, Execution and Control
- Motivation and Activity
- Right and Left Hemisphere
Part 4: Final Assessment
- Final Test
Target Audience
- Physical therapists
- Occupational Therapists
- Speech Therapists
- Sports Therapists
- Movement Scientists
- Physicians
- Curative Educators
- Nurses
- Anyone interested in understanding the central nervous system, neurological disorders, and neuroplasticity
Meet the Instructor
Nora Kern—
MSc PT, OMPT
Nora Kern specialises in neurorehabilitation, neurodynamic assessment, and clinical reasoning. Her teaching focuses on helping clinicians differentiate between structural causes of movement limitations while adapting neurodynamic testing for people with brain injuries and children. She emphasises evidence-based reassessment to improve function, participation, and quality of life.
Dr. Petra marsico, PT
Dr. Petra Marsico specialises in paediatric neurorehabilitation and movement analysis. Through neurodynamic testing, she helps clinicians better understand movement behaviour in children and adolescents with neurological and musculoskeletal conditions, enabling more precise treatment and greater functional independence.
Continuing Education Credits & Certificate
This course qualifies for continuing education credits from recognized professional associations.
- German Association of Occupational Therapists (DVE): 10 points
- German Association of Physiotherapists (ZVK): 10 points
- Umbrella Organization of Medical-Technical Services (MTD): 10 teaching units
- Ergoverband Switzerland (EVS): 8 points
- Physioswiss: 8 points
- Pediatrics Switzerland: 8 CME credits
Certificate
Upon completion, you will automatically receive a personalised certificate confirming your continuing education participation.
Our certificate of participation may also be submitted to professional associations as part of CPD and continuing education applications.
Overall rating of the course
Comments
Vera on 09.03.2024
Great course with lots of practical examples
Varied with theory/ pictures/ videos/ small quizzes in between. Some of the descriptions were a bit complicated, so I had to read it several times and therefore needed more than 8 hours. I found the anatomy at the beginning a bit too detailed.
Sophie on 05.03.2024
It was fun and I learned a lot of new things.
I really liked the patient examples. As well as the repetition with the questions. Overall, it was a great, intensive course that lasted more than 8 hours ;-)
There are 2-3 mistakes in the script. These could be corrected. Otherwise a very instructive course. Thank you and I'm really looking forward to the next course with Nora Kern.
Yael on 28.02.2024
designed to be comprehensive, user-friendly and motivating
I was hoping for an update on the subject of neuroplasticity. I have now learned a lot of new things that can be clearly related to practice. I really appreciated the fact that I could work through the lessons more than once and interrupt them at any time.
Peer Review
Christine Zehr
Pediatric physiotherapist, CAS in Developmental Neurological Therapy Bobath Baby, Lucerne Children's Hospital
“This course on the central nervous system is exceptional! The many practical examples make it easy to connect what you learn with your own work. All three course parts are excellent and varied, keeping you engaged as you learn.”
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Scalable Education for Therapy and Rehabilitation Departments
Trusted by therapists, doctors, and rehabilitation professionals worldwide.
"The course is very well structured, contains a lot of theoretical knowledge and is also put directly into practice with the two case studies. I am looking forward to being able to apply the knowledge I have acquired."
