15th Scientifica National Physiotherapy Conference 2024

The 15th Scientifica National Physiotherapy Conference, titled “Embracing AI Technology: Transforming the Future of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation,” was held on November 16th and 17th, 2024, at Goa Medical College, Bambolim, Goa. This two-day event, hosted by Goa Medical College, brought together leading experts, researchers, and students to discuss the revolutionary impact of artificial intelligence in physiotherapy.

TMU Faculty and Students Shine at the Event

Representing Teerthanker Mahaveer University (TMU), Dr. Samarpita Senapati, Assistant Professor in the Department of Physiotherapy, led a team of 10 enthusiastic BPT students who actively participated in the conference.

Participants from TMU:

BPT 4th Year Students:

• Pranjal Jain
• Sonam Jain
• Isha Gupta
• Mansi Jain

BPT 3rd Year Students:

• Hamza Pasha
• Somya Jain
• Vikshit Tomar
• Aiswarya Jain
• Gourisha Mathur
• Shruti Thakran

Their participation highlighted TMU’s dedication to fostering global exposure and advancing education in emerging fields like AI in healthcare.

Day 1 Highlights

The event commenced with registration and breakfast from 8:00 am to 9:00 am, followed by inspiring lectures by eminent speakers:

• Dr Apurv Shimpi (IAP research committee member, WHO-FIC ICF facilitator) introduced the topic “Overview on Embracing AI & Technology in Physiotherapy.”
• Dr Asha Chitnis delved into  “Future of Paediatric Rehabilitation with AI,” discussing robotic therapies and assistive orthotics.
• Dr Shobhalaxmi elaborated on  “Technological Breakthroughs in Managing Musculoskeletal Pain,” highlighting telehealth and wearable sensors.
• Dr Arun Maiya shared insights on AI-driven apps and tools like ChatGPT in physiotherapy.
• Dr Sai Kishore presented  “From Bench to Field: Return to Sports Assessment in the Digital Age.”
• Dr Waqar Naqvi gave an engaging talk on “AIDemics: Adapt or Adept?”
• Dr Michael Rowe (UK) captivated the audience with “How AI Transforms Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation.”
• Mr Guruprasad Pawasker conducted an online session on  “Role of Government in Disability Rehabilitation.”

Inauguration Ceremony

The inaugural session began at noon with Mr. Shreepad Yesso Naik, Minister of AYUSH, as the chief guest. The lamp-lighting ceremony was followed by an inspiring speech from the minister and a sumptuous lunch.

The afternoon session featured a panel discussion on “Neuro-Tech Nexus” by pioneering scholars and an inter-college quiz competition that showcased students’ knowledge and competitive spirit.

Day 2 Highlights

Day 2 continued the momentum with insightful sessions, starting at 8:00 am:

• Dr Rohini Ganjoo (USA): “AI Ethics in Health Professions: Navigating the Grey Areas.”
• Mr Ketan Bhatikar“Current Trends in Physiotherapy.”
• Ms Twinkle Dabholkar “Tech-Based Assessment in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy: In Tune with Tomorrow.”
• Dr Ashok Shyam “RehabAI,” a platform connecting physiotherapists with participants.
• Mr Yashwant Sudhakar Ingle “Deep Learning Tools and AI in Physiotherapy,” focusing on assistive robotics for healthcare.
• Ms Shruti Padmakar Thakur “AI-Based Deep Learning Model for Posture Assessment: Predictions and Classification.”
• Dr Prashant Mukkannavar “AI Meets Health Science Research: A New Era for Health Literacy,” covering chatbots, robotic automation, and wearable devices.
• Mr Shaswat Verma“From Cables to Cloud: Transforming Physiotherapy with IoT Magic,” explaining how IoT enhances patient engagement and treatment outcomes.
• Dr Shwetha Rao Warke “Tech in Sports: The Game Changers,” introducing advanced tools like APECS, Ohm 3000, and VALD ForceDecks.
• Dr Polat Goktas (Ireland):“AI-Powered Wearables: A New Frontier in Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation.”
• Dr Sanjeevan Tharayil: “Generating AI Tools in Physiotherapy Training Programs,” discussing robotic rehab assistants and Boston Dynamics humanoid robots.
• Dr John Solomon “VR in Upper Limb Rehabilitation After Stroke,” featuring innovative devices like the Jintronix Rehab System and P5 Glove.
• Dr Vijay Bathina“Tech-Driven Rehab: Unleashing the Power of Digital Technology and Robotics,” highlighting gamified neuro-rehabilitation tools like Amadeo and Diego.

Valedictory Function and Workshop

The valedictory session commenced at 12:20 pm, where all participants were awarded certificates. Prof. Dr. Shivanand M. Bandekar, HOD of Goa Medical College, delivered the vote of thanks.

The conference ended with a post-event workshop by Dr Michael Rowe (UK) on “Generative AI in Academics, Research, and Practice of Physiotherapy,” providing hands-on insights into AI-driven advancements.

A Step Towards AI Integration in Healthcare

The 15th Scientifica National Physiotherapy Conference offered a rich blend of knowledge, innovation, and collaboration, setting the stage for integrating AI into physiotherapy practices. The active participation of TMU students and faculty demonstrated their commitment to staying ahead in the rapidly evolving field of healthcare technology.