Gbagada General Hospital, Lagos, has marked the 2026 World Physiotherapy Day with a Walk for Life exercise to promote physical activity, healthy living and awareness of the role of physiotherapy in managing stroke and cardiovascular diseases.

The walk, held on Tuesday, September 8, was organised as part of the hospital’s week-long activities to commemorate the a yearly event. Management and staff of the hospital participated in the exercise, which also provided an opportunity for workers to unwind and encourage one another to maintain an active lifestyle.

The theme of 2026 World Physiotherapy Day is “Stroke and Cardiovascular Disease,” with the sub-theme, “Role of Physiotherapy in Stroke and Cardiovascular Disease.”

The theme highlights the contribution of physiotherapists to the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of people affected by stroke and cardiovascular conditions.

The hospital’s Walk for Life was marked by enthusiasm and camaraderie as staff members exercised together. The activity also reinforced the importance of regular physical activity in maintaining overall health and reducing the risk of lifestyle-related conditions.

Speaking on the significance of the day, founder of Scoliosis Focus Foundation, Dr. Ayomide Akintan-Adejuwon, said physiotherapists play an important role in restoring movement, improving quality of life and helping people live healthier lives.

She said physiotherapy was particularly important in cardiovascular health, where it supports safe exercise, rehabilitation, endurance and recovery.

According to her, the profession also has an important role to play in managing spinal deformities such as scoliosis.

“In spinal deformities such as scoliosis, physiotherapy plays an important role in posture management, pain reduction, functional improvement and preventing complications,” she said.

Akintan-Adejuwon, who spoke as the founder of the Scoliosis Focus Foundation, said the organisation recognised the contribution of physiotherapists to healthcare and rehabilitation.

“Today, we celebrate physiotherapists for their vital role in restoring movement, improving quality of life and empowering people to live healthier lives,” she said.

She also commended physiotherapists for using their knowledge and expertise to support patients through different stages of recovery.

“On behalf of our organisation, we celebrate every physiotherapist whose knowledge, compassion and dedication continue to transform lives,” she added.

World Physiotherapy Day is observed annually to raise awareness about physiotherapy and its contribution to healthcare. The day also provides an opportunity to highlight how physiotherapists help people regain movement, manage pain, improve physical function and recover from illness or injury.

For stroke survivors, physiotherapy can form part of rehabilitation by helping patients work towards improved movement, balance, strength and independence. In cardiovascular care, physiotherapy can also support rehabilitation and the gradual return to physical activity under appropriate medical supervision.

The celebration at Gbagada General Hospital will continued with other activities planned for the week. These included a General Fitness Day, Continuing Medical Education (CME) and team bonding activities.

Akintan-Adejuwon ended her speech by emphasising the importance of physiotherapy, saying, “Movement is life. Rehabilitation restores possibilities.”