8 September is a special day, especially for our bodies. This year marks the 29th edition of World Physiotherapy Day, the 5th anniversary of the Italian Physiotherapists’ Association (OFI), and a significant meeting dedicated to the importance of this branch of therapy was held at UniCamillus University in Rome, organised by OFI.
But let’s take it one step at a time and start with World Physiotherapy Day. This is a time when the importance of physiotherapy and physiotherapists in people’s lives is highlighted all over the world. This year, World Physiotherapy (the international physiotherapy organisation) chose the theme ‘The importance of physiotherapy and physical activity in healthy ageing’, with a particular focus on preventing frailty and falls.
OFI Lazio took the opportunity to reaffirm the importance of these issues, using the slogan “Invecchiare? Non ci casco” (which could be roughly translated as ‘Ageing? No way!’). To celebrate the occasion, the regional association organised two main events.
On 7th September, Piazza del Popolo in Rome became a centre for information and awareness, with physiotherapists from Lazio distributing information materials and offering practical advice on fall prevention.
On 8th September, the focus shifted to students on the BSc Physiotherapy in Lazio with the event ‘OFI Lazio at the University’. A meeting rich in scientific and practical content was held in the main lecture theatre of the UniCamillus Auditorium, with lecturers and representatives from various renowned Roman universities. This gave future physiotherapists the opportunity to meet experienced professionals and explore topics fundamental to their career path, such as active ageing and the prevention of frailty and falls.
The event opened with institutional greetings from Gianni Profita (Rector of UniCamillus), Professor Barbara Tavazzi (Head of the MSc in Medicine and Surgery), Professor Susanna Cordone (Head of the BSc in Physiotherapy), Dr Annamaria Servadio (President of OFI Lazio) and Dr Ilaria Ruotolo (Councillor of the AIFI Lazio Regional Section).
“We strongly believe in the BSc in Physiotherapy, which is one of the most popular courses among students in Italy”, says Profita. “Anyone who has needed the services of a physiotherapist, either for themselves or a family member, knows how essential this role is. Physiotherapists not only treat patients, but also teach them how to prevent injury and manage their condition. They play a fundamental role in society. We are delighted to host OFI Lazio and all the other universities present, ranging from UniCamillus to La Sapienza, Campus Bio-Medico, Link, Tor Vergata and Cattolica”.
OFI is a major player, but it has taken time for its full value to be recognised. “OFI is a young organisation, even though physiotherapy has existed for 60 years. Its anniversary coincides with World Physiotherapy Day, and the Board of Physiotherapists was officially established in 2022. This event formally recognised the role of physiotherapists in society”, reiterates Dr Annamaria Servadio, President of OFI Lazio. The slogan for 2025, ‘Il movimento che non si ferma’ (‘The movement that never stops’), aims to raise awareness of access to physiotherapy and the vital role physiotherapists play in our health and motor well-being. Daily physical activity and fall prevention highlight how physiotherapists are central not only to treatment, but also to prevention from an early age”.
Among the highlights of the meeting were contributions from lecturers from various universities. The presentations covered several topics related to active ageing and fall prevention, including the management of frailty and chronic conditions associated with old age, and the importance of sport and new technologies to promote independence and well-being.
“For our university, hosting this event is of profound significance. Students, always at the heart of UniCamillus’ mission, benefit from this valuable opportunity to interact with experienced professionals”, emphasised Professor Cordone. “This exchange enables future physiotherapists to broaden their perspectives and, above all, to gain awareness of their role within society”. Particular attention was paid to the students—the day’s protagonists and future professionals in the sector—who had the opportunity to exchange ideas at a round-table discussion dedicated to them.
“The main challenges facing young physiotherapists in Lazio concern their ability to respond to the needs of a rapidly ageing population characterised by frailty and often multimorbidity—the coexistence of two or more chronic diseases. This condition is also common in apparently healthy elderly people and requires an approach from appropriately trained healthcare professionals”, explained Dr Ruotolo. “For this reason, AIFI, as a technical and scientific association, not only supports young professionals through refresher courses and training, but also disseminates scientific information and promotes educational events that focus on the complexity of elderly people”.
Dialogue between academic training, professional as well as scientific associations, was highlighted as a fundamental step in preparing future physiotherapists to face the challenges of the profession with awareness of their social role and responsibilities. “This year’s theme, linked to healthy ageing, is highly relevant given the constant increase in the average age of the population, reflected in an increase in ageing and age-related diseases”, concluded Professor Tavazzi. “As a result, there will be an increasing need for physiotherapists—qualified and competent healthcare professionals entrusted with the care of frail patients, who may have multiple chronic conditions. Physiotherapists are playing an increasingly important role in preventing physical decline, maintaining and improving functional autonomy, and strengthening motor, cognitive and social abilities”.
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