The Vietnam Physical Therapy Association (VNPTA) and Vietnam Society of Student and Early-Career Physiotherapists celebrated World PT Day 2026 by organising THE NEW PHYSIO 2026 – Young Physiotherapy Professionals. The national competition brought together physiotherapy students and young physiotherapy professionals from across Vietnam, providing an opportunity to strengthen professional knowledge, evidence-based thinking, teamwork and communication skills, and the development of community-oriented projects.
The competition also welcomed Sidy Dieye, chief executive officer of World Physiotherapy, who joined the programme and shared his perspectives with young physiotherapy professionals.
The competition focused on this year's theme of cardiovascular disease and stroke, the competition encouraged participants to apply physiotherapy knowledge to practical challenges in the community. Particular emphasis was placed on cardiovascular and stroke-related knowledge, community-based rehabilitation, leadership, teamwork and the development of sustainable community initiatives.
The competition was delivered through four stages, progressively moving from individual knowledge assessment to teamwork, community project development, pilot implementation and practical application of professional knowledge. The qualifying round was conducted online from 13 to 18 July, with 192 contestants completing a 20-question assessment covering cardiovascular disease, stroke, community-based rehabilitation and leadership. The 63 highest-performing contestants progressed to the first semifinal.
The final round took place in Ho Chi Minh City on 7 September 2026. The three finalist teams presented community-focused physiotherapy projects addressing stroke rehabilitation and cardiovascular health.
- Team TNP26-06 presented “Stroke Rehab Club: A Community-Based Interdisciplinary Rehabilitation Model for Stroke Survivors”;
- Team TNP26-09 presented “A Model Connecting Safe Community-Based Exercise Practice with Hospital Ergolline Technology for Cardiovascular Patients”;
- Team TNP26-05 presented “Development of a Community-Based Upper-Limb Rehabilitation Program for Stroke Survivors Using Low-Cost Equipment.”
The final competition assessed participants across four components: a knowledge test, project pitching, situational management and rapid response. In addition to the scientific and practical quality of their projects, teams were required to demonstrate effective communication, health education, patient-centred approaches, critical thinking, problem-solving, adaptability and consideration of project sustainability and scalability.
With 192 contestants participating in the qualifying round, THE NEW PHYSIO 2026 provided a progressive platform for young physiotherapy students and professionals to move from knowledge acquisition to collaborative project development and practical community engagement. The programme also facilitated connections among young participants, experts, professionals and mentors, supporting the continued development of community projects beyond the competition.
THE NEW PHYSIO 2026 concluded with three finalist teams demonstrating how physiotherapy knowledge can be translated into practical, community-oriented initiatives. The competition highlighted the importance of empowering the next generation of physiotherapy professionals to learn, collaborate, innovate and contribute to health promotion and rehabilitation in their communities.
Through these activities, VNPTA contributed to the goals and theme of World PT Day 2026 and highlighted the role of physiotherapy in cardiovascular health, stroke prevention and rehabilitation, and community-based care.
