The International Functional Electrical Stimulation Society (IFESS): Highlights from the IFESS conference at...

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Engineering
• Assistive Technology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• The International Functional Electrical Stimulation Society (IFESS) annual conference convened with the 7th RehabWeek Congress in Singapore.
• This joint meeting included the International Consortium on Rehabilitation Technology (ICRT) and 10 other societies.
• The event focused on assistive technology and rehabilitation engineering.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a comprehensive blend of technical and clinical contexts within Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES).
• To foster cross- and inter-disciplinary interactions among professionals in medicine, engineering, and science.
• To promote the development of impactful and novel contributions to the FES field.

Main Methods:

• The conference facilitated a platform for sharing research and innovations in FES.
• Discussions and presentations emphasized the integration of FES into practical applications.
• Collaboration between diverse scientific and medical disciplines was encouraged.

Main Results:

• Vibrant interaction and creation of novel contributions within the FES community were observed.
• The conference successfully translated FES research into relevant and sustainable user solutions.
• A strong emphasis was placed on the interdisciplinary approach essential for FES advancement.

Conclusions:

• The collaborative approach in FES research accelerates the development of effective rehabilitation technologies.
• Functional Electrical Stimulation holds significant potential for creating sustainable solutions for users.
• Continued interdisciplinary efforts are crucial for advancing the field of FES and its applications.