This was the third time that a joint Blended Intensive Program (BIP) for neurological rehabilitation was conducted, featuring a virtual meeting on March 19 and an intensive week from March 31 to April 4, 2025. Three universities collaborated in the planning and implementation of the course: Savonia University of Applied Sciences (Finland), Charles University (Czech Republic), and the University of Thessaly (Greece). Together, they developed a 3 ECTS course in English, including the goals, content, and learning assignments.

This international program brought together 31 students, including 12 from Finland (Picture 1), and 10 academic staff members from the participating institutions, creating a high-level educational environment that fostered academic exchange and the advancement of scientific knowledge. The main aim of the virtual meeting on March 19, 2025, was to introduce the BIP course to the students, facilitate getting to know each other, describe the upcoming program in Lamia, and assign the learning tasks to the students before the intensive week.

On the first day of the program, distinguished teaching staff from the three universities delivered a series of insightful lectures, contributing to the promotion of interdisciplinary learning and international academic dialogue. For example, Marja Äijö gave a presentation titled “Aging and Neurological Diseases: The Need for Rehabilitation.” She highlighted the global aging of the population and the increasing incidence of neurological diseases, which will lead to a greater need for neurological rehabilitation in the future. Prof. PhDr. Kamila Řasová presented the principles of neurorehabilitation and the effectiveness of rehabilitation. Additionally, Mgr. Markéta Pavlíková discussed the ICF concept in neurological diseases.

The second day featured presentations from the department’s laboratories and a visit to the Day Care and Residential Centre for Persons with Disabilities in Lamia. The lab presentations included contributions from laboratory directors, faculty members, and PhD candidates, significantly enhancing the exchange of knowledge and the promotion of scientific research. The lab visits (Picture 2) provided the students with a comprehensive overview of the measurement methods that can be used in research and rehabilitation for neurological clients.

During the third and fourth days of the BIP, participants visited three specialized rehabilitation and care centers (Picture 3). The first visit took place at the Animus Rehabilitation Center in Larissa, where participants attended lectures delivered by the center’s therapists and toured the modern rehabilitation facilities. The second visit was to the Day Care Center “Smile and Hope” in Trikala. In the context of World Autism Awareness Day, students and staff engaged in interactive activities with the children, fostering meaningful connections. The third visit was to ELEPAP Volos, where therapists presented contemporary approaches in the rehabilitation of children with disabilities. Participants also toured the premises and took part in interactive sessions with the children, gaining valuable insights into therapeutic methodologies.

The week concluded with the final student presentations, focusing on significant neurological conditions. The BIP experience proved to be an enriching one, enhancing not only the participants’ scientific understanding but also promoting intercultural collaboration and the formation of strong interpersonal bonds among students.

In conclusion

BIP cooperation is an excellent vehicle for international collaboration. For many students (Picture 4), short exchanges offer a good alternative when, for various reasons, it is not possible to participate in a long-term exchange. The successful implementation of this program marks an important step forward in strengthening scientific cooperation (Picture 5) and disseminating specialized knowledge in the field of Neurological Physiotherapy.

Authors:

Dr. Marja Äijö, PhD, Principal lecturer of gerontology and rehabilitation, Savonia University of Applied Sciences, Finland

Dr. Kamila Řasová, Ph.D., Associative professor of Physiotherapy, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Czech Republic

Dr. Thomas Besios, Assistant Professor, Department School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Greece