# World Physiotherapy Day 2026: Physiotherapy, Physical Activity and Cardiovascular Health

> Savonia, in collaboration with the European Network of Physiotherapy in Higher Education, organized an international online seminar bringing together experts to discuss the role of physiotherapy in cardiovascular health and stroke rehabilitation.

## Overview
World Physiotherapy Day is celebrated annually on 8 September to raise awareness of the important contribution physiotherapists make to global health, prevention, rehabilitation, and quality of life. In 2026, the global campaign focused on cardiovascular disease and stroke, marking the beginning of World Physiotherapy’s four-year initiative on non-communicable diseases and the role of physiotherapy in addressing these growing health challenges.

To mark the occasion, Savonia University of Applied Sciences, in collaboration with the European Network of Physiotherapy in Higher Education (ENPHE), organized an international online seminar bringing together experts from Finland, the Netherlands, and Spain. The event highlighted the latest evidence on cardiovascular rehabilitation, innovative digital solutions, personalized physiotherapy approaches, and stroke rehabilitation.

## Cardiovascular Disease and the Role of Physiotherapy
Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for more than 20 million deaths annually. Stroke continues to be one of the most common causes of disability and mortality across the globe.

Evidence consistently demonstrates that regular physical activity is one of the most effective strategies for reducing the risk of these conditions. Physiotherapists play a critical role in supporting healthy lifestyles, identifying risk factors, designing individualized exercise programmes, and guiding rehabilitation for individuals living with cardiovascular conditions and neurological impairments.

## Advances in Cardiac Rehabilitation (CR)
Modern cardiac rehabilitation has evolved from historical practices of prolonged bed rest to evidence-based strategies that integrate:
*   Exercise training
*   Risk factor management
*   Lifestyle modification
*   Psychosocial support
*   Patient education

Scientific evidence demonstrates that participation in CR improves functional capacity, quality of life, and long-term cardiovascular outcomes. Furthermore, exercise-based CR is a cost-effective intervention, with Finnish studies identifying depression and diabetes as key determinants of healthcare costs, highlighting the need for personalized care.

## Future Directions in Rehabilitation
The future of CR emphasizes a transition toward precision and personalized rehabilitation. Emerging approaches include:
*   Technology-assisted exercise programmes
*   Intelligent rehabilitation gym systems
*   Integration of sleep and circadian health assessments
*   Telemonitoring and telerehabilitation to reduce barriers related to travel and time constraints

## Stroke Rehabilitation and the REMUST Project
Stroke leads to motor, sensory, cognitive, and autonomic nervous system impairments. Approximately 40% of stroke survivors do not regain functional independence, and 75% experience long-term disability. Sedentary behavior post-stroke perpetuates cardiovascular risk and physical deconditioning.

The optimal window for neuroplasticity occurs during the subacute phase, where moderate-to-high intensity aerobic exercise is most effective. The **REMUST project** is currently investigating whether respiratory muscle training combined with an 8-week therapeutic exercise program provides greater improvements in functional exercise capacity compared to therapeutic exercise alone in patients with subacute stroke.

## Contributors
*   **Marja Äijö**, PT, PhD, Principal Lecturer in Gerontology and Rehabilitation at Savonia University of Applied Sciences, Kuopio, Finland
*   **Verónica Guerra Fandiño**, PT, MSc, PhD candidate, Department of Physiotherapy, University of A Coruña, Spain
*   **Steven Onkelinx**, PhD in Biomedical Sciences, President of ENPHE, Senior Lecturer at Fontys, The Netherlands
*   **Arto Hautala**, PT, MSc, PhD, Professor of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, University of Jyväskylä, Finland

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