On 22 May, the Faculty of Medicine hosted the 4^th international conference ‘Applied Research by Young Researchers in the Field of Rehabilitation’. This annual event brought together students and lecturers from Lithuania, Estonia, Poland, Turkey, and Greece. Held virtually via the Zoom platform, the conference emphasised rehabilitation innovations and the practical application of scientific research.

The event was opened by Dr Giedrė Jarienė, Vice Dean for Science at the Faculty of Medicine, Kauno kolegija Higher Education Institution (HEI). During the plenary session, Eglė Bastienė (Fysioline Lietuva) presented solutions involving interactive and robotic technologies used in rehabilitation. Professor Hülya Yücel (Health Sciences University, Istanbul, Turkey) discussed the potential of preventive occupational therapy for stroke patients. Angela Lumpert Palacios, representing SPOTeurope, shared insights into building collaborative networks among occupational therapy students across Europe.

Following the plenary session, participants joined parallel sessions where young researchers explored a wide range of current topics. Iveta Inčytė (Kauno kolegija) analysed the importance of physical activity for muscle mass and body composition in older adults. Ilja Bliumenzon (Lithuanian Sports University) examined the impact of massage on posture and muscle flexibility. Greta Klimaitė (Kauno kolegija) presented the effectiveness of combining virtual reality and physiotherapy in the treatment of chronic lower back pain. Egidija Masionienė (Kauno kolegija) explored the effects of puppy yoga on physical and mental health.

A representative from Greece, Eleni Papadaki (West Attica University, Athens, Greece), delivered a presentation on developing wheelchair service provision skills in occupational therapy education, highlighting the importance of practical competencies in preparing professionals to work with individuals with disabilities.

The sessions covered not only physiotherapy and occupational therapy, but also innovative approaches ranging from technology integration to recreational therapies. For example, Dovydas Gabrielaitis (Kauno kolegija) investigated the use of virtual reality to improve upper limb function in stroke patients, while Paulius Eidukevičius (Kauno kolegija) analysed the effects of pole sport training on strength and body composition in women.

In addition to presenting their research findings, participants had the opportunity to network with peers and academics from various countries. The sessions were guided by an international panel of moderators who ensured constructive discussion and valuable feedback for presenters.

This conference is a strong example of international collaboration that fosters curiosity among young researchers, strengthens research quality, and contributes to the advancement of rehabilitation science across Europe.