International young researchers’ conference in rehabilitation focused on applied research, innovation and interdisciplinary approaches
On 21 May, the Faculty of Medicine at Kauno kolegija Higher Education Institution hosted the 5th International Scientific Conference ‘Applied Research Works of Young Researchers in Rehabilitation 2026’. The event brought together young researchers, students, lecturers and members of the academic community from different countries. Held online via the Zoom platform, the conference provided an international space for sharing applied research, discussing current issues in rehabilitation science and strengthening academic cooperation.
The conference was opened by Dr Aurelija Radzevičienė, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Kauno kolegija, and Prof. Dr Mustafa Gerek, Vice Rector of the University of Health Sciences, Turkey. During the plenary session, Prof. Dr Hülya Yücel from the University of Health Sciences delivered a presentation on occupational and life balance among mothers, while Assoc. Prof. Dr Hiroyasu Murata from Tartu Applied Health Sciences University discussed the integration of rehabilitation and nutrition in clinical practice and research.
Following the plenary session, participants continued their work in four parallel session groups. The presentations covered a broad range of topics related to rehabilitation, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, physical activity, health technologies and quality of life. Young researchers presented studies on vestibular rehabilitation, cardiac rehabilitation, robotic-assisted gait training, virtual reality, wearable sensor-based interventions, artificial intelligence, kinesio taping and other contemporary approaches applied in health promotion and rehabilitation practice.
Particular attention was given to physical function, balance, injury prevention and quality of life across different age groups. The presentations addressed the relationship between physical activity, body composition and lower limb function, physical capacity in adolescent athletes, fall risk among older adults, muscle strength, movement quality and functional recovery following injuries or different rehabilitation interventions.
The conference sessions also explored current issues in occupational therapy, daily activity balance and participation. Topics included sensory processing, autism spectrum disorder, dementia care, hospice care, children with special educational needs, mothers caring for children with special needs, and the participation and quality of life of people living with cancer. These themes highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of rehabilitation science and its relevance not only in clinical settings, but also in social, educational and everyday life contexts.
The conference included presenters and academic representatives from higher education and research institutions in Lithuania, Turkey, Estonia, Jordan, Slovakia, Portugal, Poland, Greece, Ukraine and other countries. An international team of moderators ensured constructive discussions, academic feedback and an opportunity for young researchers to present their work to an international audience.
The 5th International Scientific Conference ‘Applied Research Works of Young Researchers in Rehabilitation 2026’ once again demonstrated that the engagement of young researchers, international collaboration and the development of practice-oriented research are essential for the advancement of rehabilitation science. The event encouraged academic dialogue, dissemination of research findings and the application of new ideas in healthcare practice.