# First World Physiotherapy Day together! Collaboration between Savonia and University of Prishtina

> Savonia University of Applied Sciences and the University of Prishtina celebrated World Physiotherapy Day 2023 with a joint meeting focused on arthritis and evidence-based rehabilitation.

## Introduction to the Collaboration
Savonia University of Applied Sciences (School of Health Care, Physiotherapy degree programme) and the University of Prishtina (Faculty of Medicine, Physiotherapy Branch) initiated a deeper cooperation at the beginning of 2023. To mark this partnership, the institutions held a joint meeting on September 8, 2023, to celebrate World Physiotherapy Day.

The event was opened by Prof. Ass. Dr. Valon N. Krasniqi, Vice Dean for Academic Affairs at the University of Prishtina, and Anne Huovinen, Head of Social and Health Care at Savonia-UAS.

## Academic Presentations: Arthritis and Rehabilitation
The meeting featured several expert lectures focusing on the 2023 World Physiotherapy Day theme of arthritis:

*   **Overview of the University of Prishtina:** Prof. Ass. Merita Qorolli introduced the Republic of Kosovo and the University of Prishtina “Hasan Prishtina.” She noted that the Chamber of Physiotherapists of Kosovo is a member of World Physiotherapy, and the Physiotherapy Branch at the University of Prishtina is a member of the European Network of Physiotherapy Education (ENPHE).
*   **Physiotherapy Assessment in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA):** Prof. Qorolli presented on the assessment of RA, an autoimmune, chronic, and destructive disease. The presentation covered classification criteria and clinical measures necessary for physiotherapists to determine appropriate interventions.
*   **Osteoarthritis and Older Adults:** Principal lecturer Marja Äijö from Savonia-UAS discussed the prevalence of osteoarthritis in Finland and globally. She highlighted the importance of home-based rehabilitation, daily activity, and physical exercise in supporting the quality of life for older adults, noting that obesity and aging are significant risk factors.

## Student Research and Clinical Perspectives
The programme included presentations from students and faculty covering research protocols and clinical guidelines:

*   **Lifestyle and Ankylosing Spondylitis:** Fitim Sadiku, a master’s student at the University of Prishtina, presented a research protocol from the Evidence Synthesis Group. The study aims to analyze how lifestyle factors—such as smoking, alcohol use, obesity, and physical inactivity—impact disease activity, treatment response, and disability in patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis.
*   **Evidence-Based Management of Low Back Pain:** Rilind presented on the principles of low back pain diagnosis and treatment. The lecture emphasized moving away from traditional treatments toward evidence-based practices guided by the American College of Physicians and the American Society of Pain. Key resources for evidence-based practice mentioned included PEDro and NICE databases.
*   **Pulmonary Physiotherapy in Primary Health Care:** A presentation on thesis work regarding pulmonary physiotherapy highlighted the need for development in chronic pulmonary disease rehabilitation. The research focuses on creating and testing new guidelines and protocols for outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation in primary health care settings.

## Future Outlook
This joint meeting served as the inaugural collaboration between the two institutions. Both Savonia University of Applied Sciences and the University of Prishtina expressed a commitment to continuing this partnership through future projects, conferences, and research initiatives.

## Authors
*   **Merita Qorolli**, PhD, Professor (Assistant) at Faculty of Medicine, University of Prishtina “Hasan Prishtina”
*   **Marja Äijö**, PhD, Principal lecturer of gerontology and rehabilitation, Savonia University of Applied Sciences