FICEBO at Hemsedal 2026

From April 8–10, 2026, members of FICEBO once again participated in an inspiring three-day event in Hemsedal, Norway. A total of 11 researchers from our group attended, joining colleagues from across Norway, Finland, and Denmark for an intensive program combining scientific presentations, discussion, and networking. Notably, there was a particularly strong turnout from Finland, as usual, as well as from Denmark. The presentations this year were of exceptionally high quality, in keeping with the Hemsedal standard.

The event was held at the scenic mountain venue Skarsnuten Hotel, providing an excellent setting for both academic exchange and informal collaboration.

Focus on Methodology and Clinical Research

The program opened on Wednesday with a focus on randomized trials, sham surgery, and statistical methods. Presentations addressed ethical challenges in sham-controlled surgical trials and practical experiences in conducting such studies. Discussions continued with topics such as adaptive trial design and the interpretation of statistical results.

Health Economics and Clinical Outcomes

Thursday’s sessions explored health economic evaluation and its application in musculoskeletal research. Statisticians, PhD candidates, and postdoctoral researchers presented work on cost-effectiveness across different clinical trials, highlighting the growing importance of economic perspectives in healthcare decision-making. The afternoon sessions shifted toward shoulder pain research, covering topics such as missing data in trials, prevalence studies, imaging findings, and long-term outcomes. Notably, RCT follow-up results were also presented, sparking engaging discussions among participants.

Rehabilitation and Future Directions

On Friday, the focus turned to rehabilitation, physiotherapy, and cognitive functional approaches. Presentations also included randomized trials, the role of cognitive behavioral therapy in musculoskeletal pain, and innovative strategies to improve patient outcomes through personalized care and behavior-informed interventions. PhD projects from Nordic collaborators further emphasized the integration of psychological and physical approaches in modern rehabilitation research.

Collaboration in a Unique Setting

Beyond the scientific program, the seminar offered valuable opportunities for collaboration and networking, both during sessions and in more informal settings, including some time in the mountains.

Following the programme, we gathered for shared dinners, and the combination of high-quality scientific content and the unique mountain setting fostered open discussions and networking across institutions and countries.

As tradition would have it, the annual “best country” table shuffleboard tournament was held on Thursday. This year, Team Finland claimed victory under the enthusiastic guidance of captain Teppo Järvinen. Unfortunately, no photographic evidence of this achievement is available, but no doubt the victory was memorable. The Finnish team also bravely promised to defend its position, honour, and reputation again next year.

We warmly thank Jens-Ivar Brox for the invitation and excellent organization, together with John Bjørneboe.

We are looking forward to next year’s seminar, which will mark the 20th anniversary of this long-standing and fruitful collaboration. And, while waiting, it's possible that we polish our suffleboard pucs too.

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Written on behalf of the group by a first-time attendee,

Pirjo Toivonen