ICEBAT Canada 2026: Where Innovation in Aquatic Therapy Meets Global Expertise

Byeline: Johan Lambeck

Every two to three years, aquatic therapy professionals from around the world gather to exchange knowledge, sharpen clinical skills, and explore new frontiers in evidence-based practice. In 2026, this global journey arrives in Toronto, Canada, where the International Congress on Evidence Based Aquatic Therapy (ICEBAT) will be held from April 24–26.

As the next chapter in a rich tradition stretching across Turkey, Belgium, Mexico, India, the United States, China (via online format during COVID), and the United Kingdom, ICEBAT Canada 2026 promises to be one of the most dynamic and diverse congresses yet.

Organized locally by CARI Canada and scientifically guided by the International Aquatic Therapy Faculty (IATF), ICEBAT Canada brings together top clinicians, researchers, and thought leaders shaping the present and future of aquatic rehabilitation.

A Congress Built on Hands-On Excellence

A hallmark of every ICEBAT congress is its commitment to practical, pool-based learning. Toronto will host an exceptional set of pool labs, each led by internationally recognized experts who bring decades of clinical and research experience.

Featured Pool Labs at ICEBAT Canada 2026

• Bad Ragaz Ring Method: Developments & Manual Handling – Urs Gamper

• Water Specific Therapy: Facilitating Continuous Reactive Myofascial Chains – Urs Gamper & Johan Lambeck

• Aquatic Motor-Cognitive Serious Gaming for Brain Health – Johan Lambeck

• From Pedagogy to Exercise: Optimizing Aquatic Games – Javier Güeita

• Rhythm & Music in Aquatic Rehab: Enhancing Motor Control & Training Intensity – Emily Dunlap

• Mastering Intensity Control in Aquatic Aerobic Exercise – Cristine Alberton

From neuromuscular facilitation to chronic pain management, from pediatric therapy to innovative motor-cognitive training, these sessions reflect the growing depth and interdisciplinary nature of aquatic rehabilitation.

Meet the Global Experts Behind the Pool Labs

Urs Gamper (Switzerland)

A pioneer of the Bad Ragaz Ring Method, Urs worked closely with James McMillan and has dedicated his career to advancing aquatic therapy concepts. He currently serves as President of the IATF and is widely recognized for his contributions to manual handling techniques and neuromuscular facilitation in water.

Javier Güeita (Spain)

A leading expert in pediatric aquatic therapy, Javier completed a PhD creating the first-ever ICF-based aquatic therapy core set for pediatrics. His prolific research and innovative teaching make him one of Europe's most influential aquatic therapy educators.

Emily Dunlap (USA)

Originally rooted in orthopedic aquatic rehab, Emily shifted her focus to brain health, integrating rhythm, attention, and neuromotor principles into water-based interventions. She leads the world’s only international aquatic rehabilitation journal club, promoting evidence literacy across the profession.

Cristine Alberton (Brazil)

One of the world’s most published authors in aquatic exercise for health promotion, Cristine is renowned for bridging physical education and physical therapy. Her work on exercise intensity control in the aquatic environment has become foundational for clinicians and researchers.

Johan Lambeck (The Netherlands) 

Co-founder of the IATF, Johan has shaped aquatic therapy worldwide through teaching, research, and leadership. Recipient of the Excellence in Aquatic Physical Therapy Award (APTA, 2020), Johan has served on the editorial board of the Journal of Aquatic Physical Therapy for many years and has been a Cochrane member since 2005.

A Global Tradition with a Canadian Future

ICEBAT has a long and inspiring history of international collaboration:

• Izmir, Turkey

• Leuven, Belgium

• Querétaro, Mexico

• Mysore, India

• Las Vegas, USA

• Beijing, China (held as online webinars due to COVID)

• Winchester, UK

Now, Toronto joins this global lineage—bringing together the best of clinical excellence, scientific rigor, and hands-on learning in a uniquely Canadian setting.

With its vibrant multicultural atmosphere, world-class facilities, and strong local contributors such as CARI, Toronto is the perfect location to host the next generation of aquatic therapy conversations.

Join Us in Toronto — April 24–26, 2026

Whether you are a clinician, researcher, educator, or student, ICEBAT Canada 2026 offers unmatched opportunities to:

• learn cutting-edge aquatic therapy techniques

• engage directly with global leaders

• experience innovative pool labs

• build international connections

• deepen your evidence-based practice

Stay tuned for more details on registration, program schedules, and travel information.

Toronto is ready. The water is ready. Are you?