Pre-conference workshops

This immersive workshop is designed to demystify the basic science and clinical applications of gastrointestinal manometry. It offers a comprehensive overview of esophageal and anorectal manometry, with a special focus on interpreting real-time pressure tracings and translating them into accurate and clinically meaningful diagnosis. Gastrointestinal (GI) manometry is a powerful diagnostic modality that provides dynamic insights into the motor function of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and anorectal region. By recording intraluminal pressure changes through precisely positioned sensors, manometry converts invisible physiological events into interpretable pressure patterns. These tracings enable clinicians to differentiate normal motility from a wide spectrum of functional and structural disorders. The technique captures rhythmic contractions, sphincter relaxations and coordinated peristaltic activity. Complex neuromuscular interactions regulated by the enteric nervous system and smooth muscle layers are visualized as color-coded pressure maps or waveforms. Interpreting these patterns involves evaluating contraction amplitude, propagation, duration, and coordination. From tracing to diagnosis, manometry effectively bridges fundamental physiology with clinical decision-making, helping explain symptoms such as dysphagia, bloating, constipation, or chest pain. It also guides tailored management, including pharmacotherapy, biofeedback and surgical interventions. Participants will gain hands-on experience with High-Resolution Manometry (HRM) systems, including catheter assembly and protocol execution. Interactive sessions and case-based discussions will equip attendees to identify key motility patterns and differentiate neuropathic, myopathic, and outlet-obstruction disorders. This workshop invites participants to explore how GI manometry integrates physiology with patient care and empowers practice with precise, technology-driven diagnostic insights. Maximum 25 participants. 

Intra-Operative Neurophysiological Monitoring (IONM) is the continuous visualization and recording of field potentials generated in the body during live surgical procedures to map and monitor key neurological functions. 

The importance of IONM cannot be overstated, as it allows surgeons to make informed decisions promptly, minimizing the risk of postoperative neurological deficits. 

This technology enhances surgical precision by pinpointing critical structures and pathways, improving safety, and significantly advancing the efficacy and success rates of neurosurgical interventions. 

IONM is pivotal in minimizing the risk of neurological complications and maximizing better patient outcomes. 

This workshop will act as a primer on the fundamentals of IONM. 

Participants will receive a simulated, hands-on demonstration of basic IONM techniques, such as motor evoked potentials and somatosensory evoked potentials. Maximum 25 participants. 

This immersive hands-on workshop will offer participants a unique opportunity to develop practical expertise in the assessment of cardiac autonomic function using standardized, non-invasive techniques. Designed for clinicians, researchers, and medical educators, the session will seamlessly integrate foundational physiology with real-time clinical application. The workshop will commence with a focused orientation on the autonomic regulation of the cardiovascular system, setting the stage for an engaging, station-based learning experience. Participants will be trained in ECG-based acquisition and interpretation of Heart Rate Variability (HRV), including essential time-domain and frequency-domain analyses. Through structured small-group rotations, participants will actively perform and interpret key autonomic function tests, including heart rate and blood pressure responses to standing, the Deep Breathing Test (E:I ratio), Valsalva manoeuvre, Isometric Hand Grip Test, and the Cold Pressor Test. Each station will emphasize precision in technique, signal quality, safety considerations, and clinical relevance. Live demonstrations, supervised practice, and immediate expert feedback will ensure meaningful skill acquisition and confidence building. By the end of the workshop, participants will be empowered to independently perform, analyze, and interpret fundamental autonomic function tests, enabling them to confidently integrate these assessments into clinical practice and research. Maximum 20 participants. 

This workshop is designed to equip participants with essential competencies required for effective scientific publishing. By the end of the session, participants will be able to identify and classify different types of scientific manuscripts, distinguish between open access and traditional journals, and evaluate journals based on indexing and abstracting services such as Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The workshop also focuses on interpreting journal and author metrics, including impact factor, and selecting an appropriate journal for manuscript submission using defined criteria. In addition, participants will develop the ability to recognize and avoid predatory journals, understand the steps involved in online manuscript submission and peer review, and adopt appropriate strategies for addressing manuscript rejection. Fundamental principles of publishing ethics will also be introduced to promote responsible research dissemination.

The teaching–learning methodology will involve small group interactive discussions, guided demonstrations, and hands-on activities to enhance experiential learning followed by assessments. The workshop requires participants to bring a laptop or tablet with reliable internet connectivity and a near-complete manuscript for practical exercises. The workshop is designed for 30 participants and will be conducted over a duration of 4 hours.

This workshop aims to demystify patch-clamp electrophysiology and provide physiologists with a clear foundational understanding and practical orientation to the technique. Over the three-hour session, participants will be introduced to the basic theory and key concepts underlying patch-clamp electrophysiology. An overview of the core equipment involved in a patch-clamp setup—including amplifiers, micromanipulators, microscopes, vibration isolation systems, and data acquisition hardware and software—will be provided, with emphasis on how these components function together as a system. Participants will also be oriented to the range of physiological questions that can be addressed using this method, particularly in the study of ion channels and cellular electrophysiology. Practical aspects of establishing a patch-clamp laboratory will be discussed, including infrastructure requirements, cost considerations, and common challenges encountered during setup and routine use. The workshop will include a guided visit to the patch-clamp and cell culture laboratories, where participants will observe the workflow and operational setup. This segment is intended to provide a realistic understanding of the day-to-day functioning of such a facility. The workshop is limited to 10 participants to ensure focused interaction. 

Body composition refers to the percentage of fat, bone, and muscle in the body and is known to be associated with several diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancers, osteoporosis, and osteoarthritis. Body composition measurements are useful in assessing the effectiveness of nutritional interventions and monitoring the changes associated with growth and disease conditions. South-east Asian population has higher prevalence of altered body composition, marked by higher body fat percentage especially centripetal obesity along with lower fat free mass. Body composition is determined predominantly by genetics and influenced by our daily routine such as diet, sleep, physical activity, and psychological wellbeing. Many techniques are available for body composition assessment, which range from simple indirect measures to more sophisticated direct volumetric measurements. Some of the methods that are used today include anthropometry, tracer dilution, densitometry, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, air displacement plethysmography and bioelectrical impedance analysis. The methods vary in their precision and accuracy. Imaging techniques such as nuclear magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography have become powerful tools due to their ability of visualizing and quantifying tissues, organs, or constituents such as muscle and adipose tissue. However, these methods are still considered to be research tools due to their cost and complexity of use. In this workshop we will discuss the anthropometric technique using skinfold thickness and arm circumference to calculate fat mass and fat free mass and about somatotyping. Maximum 20 participants. 

The workshop on “Reference management in scientific writing” is designed to develop essential competencies required for efficient handling of citations and bibliographic data. By the end of the session, participants will be able to describe key terminologies related to reference management, including techniques, citation styles, and commonly used software. Participants will gain practical skills in installing reference management software and associated add-on tools on their laptops or tablets, and in creating and systematically organising a personal library of references. The session will further enable participants to insert citations accurately into their manuscripts using reference management tools and generate a properly formatted bibliography within Microsoft Word through integrated plug-ins. In addition, learners will be trained to identify common errors and challenges encountered during reference management and will be introduced to the ethical considerations surrounding the use of artificial intelligence in this domain. 

The session will adopt a hands-on, skill-oriented approach, requiring all participants to bring a laptop or tablet to actively engage in guided exercises. The workshop is designed as a 3 - 4 hrs long session to accommodate 30 participants, to ensure effective facilitation and individual attention.

This hands-on workshop on Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) and Evoked Potentials (EP) is tailored for postgraduates, researchers, and faculty, offering an engaging and skill-focused learning experience in clinical neurophysiology. The session emphasizes practical competency, standardization, and clinically relevant interpretation. Participants will gain direct experience in performing motor and sensory nerve conduction studies using surface electrodes, in accordance with international guidelines. Core skills include precise electrode placement, supramaximal stimulation, and acquisition of CMAP and SNAP responses. Emphasis will be placed on quantitative parameters such as distal latency, amplitude, conduction velocity, and F-wave latency, along with identification and troubleshooting of common technical pitfalls. The evoked potentials module provides hands-on training in Visual Evoked Potentials (VEP) and Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potentials (BAEP). Participants will learn optimal electrode placement using the International 10–20 system, configure stimulus parameters, and apply signal averaging and filtering techniques. Interpretation will focus on waveform morphology, peak identification (P100, waves I–V), and inter-peak latency analysis. Additional components include equipment calibration, impedance monitoring, noise minimization, and quality assurance in electrophysiology laboratories. Case-based discussions will integrate electrophysiological findings with clinical conditions such as axonal and demyelinating neuropathies, radiculopathies, and central conduction defects. By the end of the workshop, participants will develop the confidence and competence to perform and interpret essential NCS and EP studies with accuracy, reproducibility, and clinical precision. Maximum 25 participants. 

Igniting engagement in the Gen Z classroom calls for a reimagining of physiology teaching and assessment, shifting from passive delivery to active, meaningful participation. This preconference workshop focuses on practical ways to make physiology classrooms more dynamic, interactive, and learner-centered. The session will introduce a range of strategies, from simple, easily adaptable classroom practices to more structured approaches that promote deeper understanding. Participants will experience techniques that encourage learners to think, discuss, and contribute, creating an inclusive and participatory learning environment. Emphasis will also be placed on organizing complex physiological concepts into clear, logical frameworks for better comprehension. A key focus of the workshop is to help participants facilitate learning that encourages students to explore, apply, and internalize concepts rather than passively receive information. The importance of aligning teaching with meaningful assessment will also be highlighted, with approaches that support reflection, track individual progress, and assess applied understanding. Designed as an interactive session, the workshop offers opportunities to practice, design, and receive feedback. By the end, participants will gain practical tools to enhance engagement and create more effective and responsive physiology learning experiences. Maximum 25 participants. 

The workshop curriculum is structured to address critical areas of medical pedagogy through the lens of artificial intelligence.

Outcome-Based Design: Utilizing AI-powered smart lesson planning to align with teaching goals.

Intelligent Evaluation: Applying smart AI tools for student assessment and generating automated feedback to drive continuous learning improvement.

Interactive Modalities: Developing next-generation multimedia aids and AI-driven interactive learning for both small and large group environments.

Skill Enhancement: Implementing AI-enhanced training for clinical, interpersonal, and ethical communication (AETCOM).

Maximum 50 participants. 

Experimental physiology relies heavily on robust, reproducible animal models. This intensive one-day workshop is designed to equip physiologists, researchers, and postgraduate students with the essential technical and ethical foundations required for high-impact biomedical research. The heart of this workshop lies in its supervised practical sessions. Participants will transition from theory to practice, mastering skills critical for physiological data collection:

1. Handling & Restraint: Safe techniques for mice, rats, and rabbits.

2. Administration & Sampling: Proficiency in subcutaneous, intramuscular, and intravenous injections, alongside diverse blood collection methods (tail vein, retro-orbital, and saphenous).

3. Physiological Maintenance: Comprehensive training in anesthesia administration, intra-operative monitoring, and post-operative care.

4. Terminal Procedures: Humane euthanasia and precise organ harvesting for downstream histological or molecular analysis.

Whether you are studying metabolic pathways, cardiovascular function, or neurophysiology, the ability to handle animal models with precision and ethical integrity is non-negotiable. This workshop provides the "wet-lab" experience necessary to standardize your experimental protocols and enhance the validity of your research findings. Maximum 20 participants. 

This hands-on training programme on Immunofluorescence techniques is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive introduction to the principles and practical applications of immunofluorescence techniques widely used in basic and biomedical research. Attendees will learn sample collection and preparation, antibody staining techniques, fluorescence and confocal microscopy, and image analysis, gaining practical experience in generating and interpreting high-quality signals. Bridging theory with hands-on experience, this program will guide the participants through each critical step—from sample preparation to signal detection and interpretation. Participants will gain practical skills in specimen handling, fixation, and permeabilization, followed by antibody selection and staining protocols. The training will emphasize best practices to ensure specificity, reduce background noise, and achieve reproducible results. In addition, attendees will be introduced to fluorescence and confocal microscopy, including instrument handling, imaging parameters, and strategies for capturing high-quality images. This workshop is ideal for students, early-career researchers, and faculty seeking to build or strengthen their expertise in immunofluorescence. Overall, this training aims to transform basic samples into meaningful signals, empowering researchers with the skills necessary for high-quality imaging and accurate data interpretation. Maximum 20 participants