Abstracts

There are three different presentation formats for abstracts which have equal standing in the programme, they are listed below.

Follow the links in the box on right for tips on preparing your abstract presentation, and further information on the awards for outstanding abstracts.

Platform presentations

A platform presentation is a 12 minute oral presentation of a paper followed by 3 minutes of question time, moderated by a chair.  Papers will be grouped together around related topics and there will be between 3 and 6 papers per session. Sessions will up to 1.5 hours.

Poster presentations

Posters are reports summarising information using brief written statements and graphic materials, such as graphs, charts, figures and photographs, mounted on a poster board.  Presenters will be assigned a specific time when they will be at their poster for discussion with delegates.  Posters will be on display during Exhibition hours.

Poster discussion sessions

These interactive poster discussion sessions are led by a chair with expertise in the topic or research methodology.  Presenting authors have 5 minutes to discuss the key points arising from their work, highlighting the areas in which they would particularly welcome discussion with the chair and audience.  There will be an opportunity for delegates to view the posters and discuss them with the presenters.  The chair will then reconvene the session inviting presenters to answer questions from the floor.  This type of session is very valuable for drawing out the relationships between research endeavours, discussing interesting findings or methodological challenges, and for establishing research network.

Platform, posters and poster discussion presentations fall into the following categories:

• Research reports are presentations of original scientific data encompassing any established research approach, design or method.
• Special interest reports include presentations of new or unique programmes or theories and descriptions of innovative ways in which established methods have been adapted to meet the needs of physical therapy practice, management, education or policy. They include professional resource materials, such as computer-based programs, training or audiovisual material.