The UERM College of Allied Rehabilitation Sciences (CAReS) proudly presented two research papers in the celebrated World Physiotherapy Congress 2025 on May 29 to 31, 2025, at the Tokyo International Forum, Japan. This landmark event convened leading minds in physiotherapy from across the globe, fostering unparalleled opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange.
CAReS was represented by two research groups, underscoring UERM’s unwavering commitment to advancing physiotherapy practice through rigorous scholarly inquiry.
Esteemed UERM CAReS alumna, Kirsten Noelle Ignacio, spearheaded the dynamic research group comprising Lex Andre Malong, Deon Bias, and Renald Floyd Cayaban. Their e-poster presentation, titled “A Correlational Study on Grip Strength and Frequency of Upper Extremity Injuries Among Rock Climbers in Metro Manila,” garnered significant interest from the audience.
The study’s focus on a highly localized participant pool from Metro Manila proved particularly impactful, offering valuable insights for sports injury prevention and management within the specific context of local athletic populations.
Anna Margarita Miling, PTRP, MSPT, a UERM BS Physical Therapy professor, had the distinct honor of presenting the second research study titled, “SitMate: An Android Mobile Application for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Discomfort Among Call-Center Workforce Management Personnel.” The study, a collaborative effort by Mary Sophia Bansale, Rameses Sonny Dagoy, Joseph James Hiso, Khio Jerick Jumarang, Emmanuel Luis Manila, and Mary Melissa Rayne Tuazon, received partial funding from the Research Institute of Health Sciences, and the opportunity to present this innovative work was proven invaluable as it sparked insightful discussions with the audience.
The study, placed under Innovative Technology: Information Management, Big Data and Artificial Intelligence, and Musculoskeletal categories, focused on leveraging a researcher-developed mobile application for posture correction and discomfort prevention.
The group’s presentation led to a vibrant exchange of ideas on the integration of technology in physiotherapy practice and its potential for improving occupational health. Each e-poster session, including the focused Q&A segments, led to meaningful dialogue between the research and participants. But beyond the presentations, the Congress also offered invaluable opportunities to connect with the broader international physiotherapy community.
It was truly inspiring to witness other Filipino Physical Therapy universities presenting their research. This strong showing from the Philippines underscored the growing influence and expertise of Filipino physiotherapists on the international stage.
The World Physiotherapy Congress is a bi-annual event of the World Confederation for Physical Therapy, a registered charity in the United Kingdom. It is the largest international congress for the physiotherapy profession that brings together experts and practitioners from low, middle, and high-income regions. This year, the event was attended by over 5,000 participants from 127 countries and territories.
The convention served as a vibrant hub of innovation. The participants from UERM CAReS were particularly impressed by the array of new technologies on display, providing a compelling glimpse into the exciting future of the profession. From advanced diagnostic tools to immersive rehabilitation technologies, the Congress showcased cutting-edge advancements poised to shape physiotherapy practice in the years to come. Moreover, the remarkable diversity in presentation topics and skills offered fresh perspectives and inspired new ways to communicate complex research effectively.
UERM CAReS’ participation in the World Physiotherapy Congress 2025 was a resounding success, reaffirming the college’s steadfast dedication to excellence in education, research, and practice. CAReS eagerly anticipates incorporating the new knowledge and connections gained into their academic programs and research initiatives, further strengthening their contributions to the global physiotherapy community.