Call for Research Abstracts

The World Federation of Athletic Training and Therapy (WFATT) invites submissions of original research abstracts and clinical case studies for presentation at the 14th WFATT World Congress, taking place October 21–23, 2027, in Edinburgh, Scotland. Accepted abstracts will be presented as research posters, with a select number invited for podium presentations. This form is to be used for submission of research abstracts and poster presentations.

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The World Congress brings together athletic trainers, athletic therapists, sport rehabilitators, and allied health professionals from around the world to share research, exchange knowledge, and advance clinical practice, education, and innovation.

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Congress Themes: Readiness, Resilience and Rehabilitation

The 2027 World Congress will explore three interconnected themes through practical, person-centred case studies. These cases provide a common framework for examining the challenges faced by the individuals we serve across different healthcare systems, professional settings, and cultures.

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Readiness – Preparing for Participation, Performance and Long-Term Health

Exploring how we prepare individuals for safe, sustainable participation and performance, particularly during periods of growth and development. Topics may include youth athlete health, injury prevention, concussion management, return to learning and sport, and physical and psychological readiness.

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Resilience – Supporting Health and Performance Across the Lifespan

Examining how individuals maintain health, wellbeing, participation, and performance while navigating changing physical, personal, and environmental demands. Topics may include female athlete health, recovery and adaptation, nutrition, energy availability, long-term health conditions, and healthy ageing.

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Rehabilitation – Navigating Complexity and Returning to Performance

Addressing the challenges of rehabilitation when injury, illness, clinical decision-making, and performance priorities intersect. Topics may include differential diagnosis, complex patient care, rehabilitation strategies, psychological and social aspects of recovery, and return to participation and performance.

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Explore the Congress Themes: For a more detailed overview of Readiness, Resilience, and Rehabilitation, including the accompanying case studies and suggested areas of exploration, please view the 14th World Congress Themes and Case Studies (PDF).

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The Congress themes and accompanying case studies are intended as starting points rather than boundaries. Authors are encouraged to explore any relevant aspect of a theme, particularly its practical application to research or professional practice. Submissions do not need to address an entire theme or case study.

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Research and clinical case studies outside the identified themes are equally welcome and will receive the same consideration for inclusion in the scientific program.

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Research Categories

Authors must identify the Research Type that best describes their submission and select all applicable Research Topics. These classifications will assist with the organization, review, and programming of accepted abstracts.

 

Research Type

1. Basic and Applied Science

2. Clinical Research and Interventions

3. Epidemiology and Injury Surveillance

4. Observational and Exploratory Research

5. Education and Professional Development

6. Case Reports and Case Series

7. Evidence Synthesis and Reviews

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Research Topic

1. Musculoskeletal Injury and Rehabilitation

2. Sports Injury Prevention and Athlete Health

3. Biomechanics, Movement and Human Performance

4. Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis

5. Rehabilitation Interventions and Return to Sport

6. Education and Professional Practice

7. Technology and Innovation

8. Other

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Submission Information

Abstract Submission Deadline: January 15, 2027

Anticipated Notification of Acceptance: April 2027

Applicants can expect to be notified of the outcome of their submission in early April 2027, ahead of the opening of Congress registration. Accepted presenters will be asked to confirm their participation following notification.

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Abstracts must describe original, unpublished work that has not previously been presented at a conference or submitted to another journal.

 

All submissions will undergo blinded peer review.

 

Presentation Formats: Accepted abstracts will be presented as research posters, with a limited number selected for podium presentations based on peer-review outcomes and Congress programming considerations. This call is specifically for research abstracts and clinical case studies and is separate from the Congress's invited speaker and educational programming.

 

Authors must submit their abstracts through the online submission form and follow the accompanying Abstract Submission Guidelines, including the 450-word limit and required abstract structure.

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Abstract Publication in the Journal of Athletic Training

WFATT is pleased to confirm that abstracts accepted and presented at the 14th WFATT World Congress in Edinburgh will be published in the Journal of Athletic Training (JAT).

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This provides authors with an opportunity to share their research with an international audience through both their Congress presentation and publication in a peer-reviewed professional journal.

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Please note: Acceptance of an abstract does not include financial support from WFATT. Authors selected to present their research are responsible for their own Congress registration, travel, accommodation, and any other expenses associated with attending and presenting at the World Congress. WFATT does not provide honoraria or reimbursements for research presentations.

 

Student Research Opportunities – Separate Call in Spring 2027

A separate call for student research posters will be issued in Spring 2027. This opportunity is specifically intended for students who are not yet professionally certified and are pursuing education or training toward initial certification or professional qualification in athletic training, athletic therapy, sport rehabilitation, or an equivalent profession in their respective country.

 

The separate student poster opportunity will accommodate research that is proposed, in progress, or not yet sufficiently complete for submission through the current research abstract process. It is also intended to provide students with an opportunity to seek poster presentation confirmation in support of institutional or travel funding applications.

 

Students who are already professionally certified, including those pursuing graduate or doctoral studies, will not be eligible for this separate student category.

 

Students with completed research that meets the current Abstract Submission Guidelines are welcome to submit through this call, regardless of their certification status.

 

Students and program directors are encouraged to consider which submission opportunity is most appropriate based on the student's certification status and stage of research.

 

Join Us in Edinburgh!

We encourage researchers, clinicians, educators, and students from across the world to share their work and contribute to the advancement of athletic training, athletic therapy, sport rehabilitation, and allied health practice.

 

Questions? Please contact wfattworldcongress@gmail.com.

 

We look forward to receiving your submissions and welcoming you to Edinburgh in October 2027!