Focus on Health: Physiotherapy students provide information on cardiovascular diseases and stroke

Pinkafeld, 1 September 2026. World Physiotherapy Day is organised worldwide on 8 September. Each year, the World Confederation of Physiotherapy highlights health issues of particular importance to the public. This year, the focus is on cardiovascular diseases and stroke. At the University of Applied Sciences Burgenland, physiotherapists have been trained for many years on a three-year Bachelor’s degree programme . During their studies, students gain a thorough understanding of how to support people – including those with precisely these conditions – through physiotherapy, and apply this knowledge in practice during numerous professional placements. To mark World Physiotherapy Day, final-year students are sharing their experiences from their studies and placements in a social media campaign.

Key information at a glance

Anyone suffering from a cardiovascular condition or at increased risk should consult a doctor before starting or resuming an exercise programme.

Following a stroke, early, regular and individually tailored physiotherapy care is particularly important.

More movement in everyday life, less time spent sitting and targeted physical activity play an important role in both prevention and rehabilitation.

Physiotherapy for cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular diseases affect the heart and blood vessels and can impair the body’s supply of blood, oxygen and nutrients.During their studies, trainee physiotherapists learn to recognise risk factors and advise those affected on adopting a healthy lifestyle.This includes personalised exercise programmes designed to help reduce anxiety about physical activity and increase physical resilience.Students also explore the importance of endurance, strength, balance and flexibility training to strengthen the heart and circulatory system.An important part of the training is learning how to interact safely with people who are at increased risk of heart problems or who are already living with heart disease – including the recommendation that training should always be assessed by a healthcare professional.

Stroke – Applying academic knowledge in practice

A stroke is a medical emergency in which the blood supply to part of the brain is suddenly cut off.During their degree programme, students learn how important physiotherapy is in rehabilitation for restoring mobility, balance, the ability to walk and independence.In lectures and clinical placements, they practise providing targeted support to patients as they relearn movements, walk safely and carry out everyday activities. The programme also teaches how therapeutic exercises can be individually tailored and effectively utilised throughout the entire rehabilitation process. Early rehabilitation and collaboration within an interprofessional team are key areas that trainee physiotherapists learn for their future professional practice

Note: From 1 October, prospective students can apply online for the 2027/28 academic year. Find out more at www.hochschule-burgenland.at

For further enquiries:

Mag.a Christiane Staab │ Marketing and Communications │ Burgenland University of Applied Sciences GmbH │ Tel: +43 (0)5 7705 3537 │ Email: christiane.staab(at)hochschule-burgenland.at