Key Insights from the 2023 ISPRM World Congress
The 17th World Congress of the International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine brought together experts from six continents to share groundbreaking research and clinical advances aimed at optimizing function and quality of life for people with disabilities worldwide.
Explore InsightsIn June 2023, the historic city of Cartagena, Colombia, became the global epicenter for rehabilitation medicine, hosting the 17th World Congress of the International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (ISPRM). Under the theme "New Perspectives in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation for Global Health Challenges," this gathering brought together experts from six continents to share groundbreaking research and clinical advances aimed at optimizing function and quality of life for people with disabilities worldwide 1 2 .
The Congress occurred at a pivotal moment for the field. With the World Health Organization's "Rehabilitation 2030: A Call for Action" highlighting profound unmet rehabilitation needs globally, and a recent World Health Assembly resolution emphasizing the integration of rehabilitation into universal health coverage, the stage was set for meaningful collaboration and innovation 1 . This article explores the most significant developments and their potential to reshape rehabilitation practices for millions.
The scientific landscape of the ISPRM 2023 Congress was both vast and meticulously structured. The Congress Scientific Committee implemented a comprehensive framework to capture the full spectrum of rehabilitation science, receiving submissions from 6 continents – North and South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceania 1 .
The academic productivity of the Congress reveals the vibrant state of rehabilitation research worldwide:
| Submission Type | Submitted | Accepted | Presentation Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Proposals | 184 total (142 English, 42 Spanish) | 138 | Scientific Sessions & Workshops 1 |
| Abstracts | 703 | 692 | 127 oral, 291 poster presentations 1 |
The distribution of research interests highlighted the field's priorities, with the majority of abstracts (73.9%) focusing on clinical science and therapeutics, followed by engineering and technology (9.1%), biomedical sciences (4.5%), and health policy and systems (4.5%) 1 3 . This demonstrates a strong emphasis on directly applicable patient care innovations while maintaining growth in technological and systemic approaches.
A key conclusion from the Congress was the need to incorporate emerging topics gaining relevance in physical and rehabilitation medicine. These include rehabilitation for infectious diseases (particularly COVID-19), cardiopulmonary disorders, metabolic diseases like obesity and osteoporosis, alongside advanced techniques such as diagnostic/therapeutic ultrasound and electrodiagnosis 1 3 6 .
The post-COVID-19 condition received significant attention, with dedicated sessions exploring multiprofessional care models and evidence-based rehabilitation approaches for this growing patient population 5 7 . This reflects rehabilitation medicine's crucial role in addressing long-term complications of pandemic illnesses.
The Congress showcased how technology is transforming rehabilitation practices:
The prestigious 2023 Sidney Licht Lecture highlighted advanced rehabilitation approaches for spinal cord injury (SCI), promoting the role of clinical academics in bridging research and practice 4 . Notable developments included:
Using "Hub and Spokes" models to extend specialty care to remote areas 4 .
Programs addressing the multidimensional challenge of returning to work after SCI 4 .
Using mesenchymal stem cells and their secretome to promote neuroregeneration and repair 8 .
One particularly compelling research presentation at the Congress evaluated a personalized virtual reality game called "Motion Health VR" for post-stroke rehabilitation . This study exemplifies how technology is being systematically integrated into clinical practice.
Researchers employed a multi-method approach to comprehensively assess the feasibility and effectiveness of the VR system:
A multiple-choice questionnaire administered to 73 physicians and physiatrists attending the ISPRM Congress to assess perceptions of utility and feasibility .
In-depth discussions with four physiotherapists to explore usability, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness .
A feasibility and cost-effectiveness evaluation of implementing the technology in the Colombian healthcare context .
The VR game was designed specifically for post-stroke upper limb rehabilitation, creating an interactive environment where patients practice movements crucial for recovery while receiving real-time performance feedback .
The research revealed compelling evidence for VR integration into stroke rehabilitation:
| Aspect Evaluated | Key Finding | Clinical Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Acceptance | Broad acceptance as complementary tool | High provider willingness to adopt |
| Patient Motivation | Personalized games enhanced engagement | Addresses therapeutic adherence challenges |
| Technical Assessment | High marks for playability and immersion | Facilitates repetitive practice essential for recovery |
| Implementation Barriers | Cost and patient spasticity concerns | Identifies targets for future development |
The economic analysis indicated that while initial costs were significant, they could be justified by long-term savings and improved patient outcomes . This comprehensive approach—addressing both clinical effectiveness and implementation practicality—exemplifies the sophisticated research needed to advance rehabilitation practices.
The Congress showcased numerous technological advances that are expanding therapeutic possibilities. Here are key tools featured at the conference:
Primary Function: Provide body-weight support and guided movement
Application Example: Armeo®Spring Pro for upper limb rehabilitation 9
Primary Function: Create immersive environments for therapeutic exercise
Application Example: Motion Health VR for post-stroke recovery
Primary Function: Modulate spinal neural circuits
Application Example: Gait rehabilitation in stroke patients 8
Primary Function: Promotes neuroregeneration and tissue repair
Application Example: Experimental therapy for spinal cord injury 8
Primary Function: Enable remote monitoring and consultation
Application Example: Rural service delivery models 4
The 2023 ISPRM Congress in Cartagena demonstrated a field in dynamic evolution, embracing both technological innovation and expanded clinical applications. Beyond specific treatments, the Congress emphasized comprehensive care models that address the full spectrum of patient needs—from medical management to community reintegration and vocational fulfillment 4 .
Continuously assess and incorporate new rehabilitation domains
Integrate rehabilitation into universal health coverage frameworks
Develop robust evidence base for rehabilitation interventions
Share knowledge and resources across international boundaries
The recommendations emerging from the Congress set a clear agenda for future development: reviewing emerging topics, strengthening health systems, building research capacity, and fostering global collaboration 1 . As rehabilitation medicine continues to advance, events like the ISPRM World Congress ensure that these developments translate into tangible improvements in patient care worldwide, offering new hope and possibilities for people with disabilities facing health challenges across the globe.