Scientific program aims and outline
The principal aims of the scientific program are:

• Presentation of recent advances and future challenges in rehabilitation science.
• Linking clinical practice in P&RM to basic science through presentation of theory-driven procedures of assessment & intervention.
• Emphasis on outcome measurement & evidence-based P&RM.
• Integration and cooperation of P&RM with other medical and paramedical professions.
  

The program includes plenary sessions on topics of general interest as well as parallel sessions on more specific issues, in accord with the following list of topics. Invited keynote speakers will participate in plenary and collateral free paper sessions. Collateral poster sessions will be organized so as to provide ample time for discussion of each presentation. Leading scientists and experts will conduct workshops and short courses. Special interactive sessions will provide opportunity for exchange of opinions regarding issues like: "Scope of the specialty and role of the rehabilitation physician"; "The aims of rehabilitation. Whose aims?"; "Rehabilitation in conditions of limited resources". Industry sponsored satellite symposia will be organized during lunch breaks and after closure of the daily scientific program.

A prize will be awarded for the best submission made by an author under the age of 35.

List of Topics

ASSESSMENT & REHABILITATION IN NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS

A. Diseases and Trauma of the Brain
A1. Stroke & Other Diseases of the Brain
A2. Traumatic Brain Injury
A3. Disorders of Brain Sensory-Motor Control
A4. Disorders of Cognition, Language & Behavior
A5. Neuropsychological Assessment

B. Diseases and Trauma of the Spinal Cord
B1. Spinal Cord Injury
B2. Diseases of the Spinal Cord
B3. Spinal Sensory-Motor Control
B4. Sphincter Control

C. Neuropathies, Myopathies, and Peripheral Nerve Lesions

D. Neurological Rehabilitation - Other

ASSESSMENT & REHABILITATION IN ORTHOPEDIC AND MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS

E. Limb Amputation and Trauma
E1. Lower Limb Amputation; Prosthetics
E2. Upper Limb Amputation; Prosthetics
E3. Hand Injury
E4. Rehabilitation Following Bone Fractures and Reconstructive Orthopedic Surgery

F. Rheumatoid Arthritis; Osteoarthritis;

G. Osteoporosis

H. Soft-Tissue Trauma

I. Back Pain

J. Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation - Other

ASSESSMENT & REHABILITATION IN OTHER SPECIFIC CONDITIONS

K. Geriatric Rehabilitation
K1. Rehabilitation Goal Setting in the Aged
K2. Dementia
K3. Geriatric Rehabilitation - Other

L. Pediatric Rehabilitation
L1. Traumatic Brain Injury in Childhood
L2. Cerebral Palsy; Spina Bifida
L3. Developmental Disorders
L4. Learning Disabilities and ADHD
L5. Functional Evaluation & Outcome Measurement in Childhood
L6. Pediatric Rehabilitation - Other

M. Persistent Unawareness, Vegetative State

N. Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation

O. Rehabilitation in the Cancer Patient

P. Rehabilitation in Other Specific Conditions (e.g., Major Burns; Organ Transplantation)

TOPICS OF GENERAL INTEREST FOR MOST P&RM FIELDS OF ACTIVITY

Q. Organization and Management of Rehabilitation Services
Q1. Rehabilitation in General Hospitals and in Rehabilitation Centers
Q2. Community Based Rehabilitation Services
Q3. Quality of Care Standards in Rehabilitation Services; Accreditation Principles
Q4. Vocational and Occupational Rehabilitation
Q5. Rehabilitation Following Mass Casualty and Military Rehabilitation

R. Scope of the Specialty and Educational Needs
R1. Specialization in P&RM; Postgraduate Education
R2. Teaching P&RM to Other Medical and Paramedical Professions
R3. Practice of P&RM in Different Countries
R4. Special Needs and Limitations for Rehabilitation in Developing Countries
R5. Ethical Considerations in P&RM; Disability and the Law in Different Countries
R6. Possible Role of Alternative-Medicine in Rehabilitation

S. Evidence-Based Rehabilitation
S1. Evaluation of Impairments
S2. Evaluation of Disability / Activity
S3. Evaluation of Handicap / Participation
S4. Longitudinal Evaluation of Natural and Induced Recovery; Outcome Measurement
S5. Quality of Life (QOL) Assessment
S6. WHO-ICF (2001) International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health

T. Management of Other Commonly Encountered Disabling Conditions
T1. Sexual Disability
T2. Pain Management
T3. Spasticity Management
T4. Postural Instability and Recurrent Falls
T5. Wound Care; Prevention and Treatment of Pressure Sores
T6. Sleep Disorders
T7. Disability Related Depression, Anxiety and Psychiatric Disturbances

U. Other Topics of General Interest
U1. Secondary and Tertiary Prevention in P&RM
U2. Sports Medicine and Sports for the Disabled
U3. Electrodiagnosis
U4. Kinesiology; Gait Analysis; Motion Analysis; Posturography
U5. Orthotic Devices
U6. Advanced Technologies in Rehabilitation
U7. Neuromuscular Functional Electrical Stimulation; Biofeedback
U8. Augmentative Devices for the Disabled
U9. Ergonomic Considerations in House & Workplace of Disabled Persons
U10. Beneology, Balneotherapy and Hydrotherapy for the Disabled

V. Other