On February 22nd, CONVERGE 2025, a groundbreaking virtual conference sponsored by ForceNET, an NIH U24 initiative, brought together 450 registrants from 40 countries to dive into the latest research on manual therapy mechanisms. The eight-hour event offered keynote lectures, four specialized content tracks, and a grant-writing panel. It featured a unique interactive platform where attendees could create an avatar and engage with the virtual conference campus, fellow registrants, and speakers. The conference attracted a diverse group of participants, including clinical specialists from multiple professions, as well as basic scientists, preclinical researchers, and translational scientists.
One of the key driving forces behind the conference was Chad E. Cook, PT, MBA, PhD, FAPTA. He is a professor in the Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy program within the Department of Orthopaedics and the Department of Population Health Sciences. Dr. Cook, who also serves as a Principal Investigator (PI) of ForceNET, played a pivotal role in shaping and moderating the event. His leadership and expertise were essential in bringing the conference to fruition.
Conference Highlights and Key Takeaways
The conference aimed to foster global collaboration and discussion around the mechanisms of manual therapy, a field of growing interest among health professionals and researchers alike. Dr. Cook shared some of the key takeaways from the event:
-
Collaborative Efforts in Defining Taxonomy of Mechanisms: The conference emphasized the continued need for global cooperation to define better and understand the taxonomy of manual therapy mechanisms.
-
Human Basic Science and Pain: One of the event's focal points was the critical importance of human-based science research in better understanding pain mechanisms, a key issue in manual therapy and rehabilitation.
-
Translational Research: The importance of bridging basic science and clinical research was highlighted. Mechanisms discovered in laboratory settings must be integrated into clinical designs for practical therapeutic application.
Dr. Cook also noted the significance of making such an event accessible to global participants. “I think a real value of this conference was the ability of people from Nepal, countries in Africa, South America, and elsewhere to attend without the need for expensive travel,” he explained. “A typical conference, with travel and registration, can cost $1500, well outside the range of many individuals. We offered CONVERGE at no cost to participants, viewing it as a service and networking opportunity that reflected the ethos of our U24 initiative.”
A Diverse Group of Experts
The speakers included some of the leading researchers in manual therapy mechanisms. Dr. Cook noted the panel's diversity, which included professionals from different disciplines and backgrounds. “Our speakers were based in the US and Canada, but many were also long-time friends of ForceNET who had contributed to our webinar series before,” he said. “We made sure to include a wide range of topics to cover the different interests of our attendees, from clinical practitioners to biomedical researchers.”
As manual therapy is a topic of great interest across various health professions, the conference balanced clinical insights (~50% of attendees) and research from biomedical and cellular fields, offering something for everyone involved in this growing study area.
Netter's Corner: A Highlight of CONVERGE 2025
A standout feature of CONVERGE 2025 was Netter’s Corner’s special section, a dedicated virtual gallery showcasing Frank H. Netter, MD, 's masterful anatomical illustrations. Attendees explored a curated selection of Netter’s renowned works. They engaged with prompts and questions that encouraged them to consider the relevance of his illustrations to modern clinical practice, biomechanical modeling, advanced imaging techniques, and neuroscience research.
“This was an incredibly immersive experience,” shared Jennifer Bent, PT, team coordinator for ForceNet and expo coordinator for CONVERGE 2025, and a practicing clinician at Duke Arringdon. Bent, who was part of the conference’s planning team, added, “The gallery showcased Netter’s artistic brilliance and offered attendees a chance to reflect on how his work continues to shape and influence contemporary healthcare practices.”
Made possible through the generous support of Elsevier and Francine Mary Netter, 'Netter’s Corner' was a unique blend of art, science, and interactive learning that added an enriching dimension to the conference.
____________________
CONVERGE 2025 fostered collaboration and advanced the conversation about manual therapy mechanisms. As the field continues to evolve, events like these highlight the importance of connecting clinicians and researchers across the globe to drive innovation and improve patient outcomes. The Duke DPT community, led by Chad Cook and Jennifer Bent, was proud to contribute to this global effort and looks forward to future initiatives that bring together science, practice, and collaboration for the benefit of all.