The conference had the motto ”from biomechanisms to outcomes” and its main topics were mechanisms and rehabilitation strategies in pain chronification and new results in mechanisms and application of aerobic exercise. As in the first BNC, special issue sessions and symposia about practical problems have been part of the program. In the “Rehabilitation across services” session the problem of sector interfaces has been discussed. Last but not least free communications and posters have been part of the program. With this conference besides the communication within the Baltic & North Sea area organizers had the especially aim at the exchange of knowledge and experience with other Eastern European countries. The presentations were delivered by the scientists and experts from more than 35 countries all over the world.
On 28th of September the Satellite symposium of the Conference was dedicated to balneology, Spa and Health Resorts „The theory and practice in connecting health and tourism” .
Mrs. Sigrun Lang, the President of the European Spas Association, had a greeting address “The significance of spas and health resorts in Europe”. In her presentation she represented the activities of the European Spas Association and briefly told about her experience spending more than thirty years in the spa and health resort sector. “Apart from their typical services in prevention, rehabilitation and the treatment of chronic diseases, European health resorts also have expertise in health tourism. Given the arrays of services available, they can leverage local medical expertise to the benefit of health tourists much better than providers offering solely tourism services. Consequently, they can provide tailored wellness and fitness stays designed to counter widespread problems of society such as being overweight, a lack of exercise, alcohol and drug dependency, and burnout and stress syndrome. Studies show that the demand for wellness and fitness holidays is set to nearly double over the next ten years, which of course is partly related to the changing attitude to health issues among the rising generation in the EU. In this connection, we at ESPA of course welcome the fact that Lithuania has declared 2011 the Year of Health Tourism”, - Dr. S.Lang was telling in her address.
Mr. Antanas Vinkus, the President of Lithuanian Resorts Association, presented the highlights of the Lithuanian resorts and health tourism, he was glad to share the current challenges with all the participants of the Conference and gave a brief overview of what has been done and still needs to be done in the future for Lithuanian health resorts development in the field of Health Tourism. He also expressed his gratitude for the big and constructive support of the ESPA for Lithuanian Health Resorts and said that Lithuania is ready for new challenges that we face, to work together and create a better environment around us so that the residents of Lithuania and visitors coming to Lithuania are willing to come back again for many times.