TIMELINE

Multiplier Event

The Multiplier Event organized by Fondazione Politecnico di Milano, held on 13th October in Milan (Italy) as an on-site scientific event, aiming not only to disseminate the Project and its results, which are the training material and the training course, but also the Erasmus Programme and the key actions relevant to giving continuity to the project after its conclusion. Due to its relevance, the organized event was included among the “Erasmus Days 2023” events held in Europe on those days.

Entitled ‘State of the Art and knowledge of gait function and new therapeutic perspectives’, the event was hosted in Politecnico di Milano, Aula Magna, and was focused on the project’s topic, particularly on the rehabilitation of gait function and the support of modern technologies to formulate and assist rehabilitation approaches and diagnoses. The following speakers, leading experts in both rehabilitation technology and university education in physiotherapy, who are widely recognized as influential stakeholders at national and international levels, were invited to report their research activities and experiences:

  • Roberto Gatti, Professor and Physiotherapy Unit Director at Humanitas University Hospital, Milan;
  • Andrea Merlo, Research Manager at Gait&Motion Analysis Laboratory Sol et Salus Hospital, Rimini;
  • Maurizio Petrarca, Head of Movement Analysis and Robotics Laboratory, Bambino Gesu’ Children’s Hospital, Rome.

Besides, the SMARTherapy+ project and achieved results were presented by  Esteban Pavan, Biomechanical Engineering, Fondazione Politecnico di Milano.

The event was held in Italian language and about twenty persons covering multiple professional roles and engaged in different activities attended the event.

To promote the event and the project, a leaflet was designed and distributed among professionals, which included agenda, date and location, goals of the event, and a short biography of the invited speakers (see below).

Implemented communication and dissemination activities in this period were aimed to address the following specific objectives:

  • to keep updated potential contacts about Project activities;
  • to communicate the ongoing activities of the Project and
  • to provide visibility to the Project website https://smartherapyplus.eu/
  • to promote the Multiplier Event scheduled for the 13th October in Milan (Italy) as an on-site event;
  • to disseminate project results, the training material, and the training course.

Smart City Expo Poland 2023

18-19.10.2023, Łódź (Poland)

On 18-19.10.2023 in Łódź (Poland), Agnieszka Ziętkiewicz from the Silesian University of Technology took part in the International Urban Technology Fair, Smart City Expo Poland 2023.

As part of the stand prepared by the Silesian Voivodeship, in the health category, she presented the SMARTherapy+ project and, in particular, presented the substantive scope and formal requirements for the launched course entitled ‘Gait physiotherapy – practical aspects and innovations’.

The fair was an opportunity to establish new contacts with companies from various sectors that offer products and services in the field of smart solutions that can be implemented in urban development. It is particularly noteworthy that a city can be considered ‘smart’ when it makes investments in human and social capital and communications infrastructure to actively promote sustainable economic development and a high quality of life, including wise management of natural resources.

Such a thesis confirms the relevance of presenting at the fair the activities carried out as part of the SMARTherapy+ project, which fits into the theme of smart solutions.

The fair was attended by 70 exhibitors and the exhibition space for visitors was free of charge, which significantly widened the audience.

Participation in the XX International Conference Multidisciplinary Aspects of Production Engineering (MAPE 2023)

  • When: 19-22.09.2023
  • Where: Gdańsk-Sobieszewo (Poland)

On 19-22 September 2023 in Gdańsk-Sobieszewo (Poland), Agnieszka Ziętkiewicz from the Silesian University of Technology participated in the 20th International Conference Multidisciplinary Aspects of Production Engineering (MAPE 2023).
On the first day, the opening session of the conference was held, where conference participants could learn about the idea of the SMARTherapy+ project and its content.
In addition, the SMARTherapy+ project was presented in a poster session, during which conference participants could obtain detailed information on the ongoing project and also obtain information on the project outcome, which is the course entitled ‘Gait physiotherapy – practical aspects and innovations’.

Invitation to Multiplier Events

INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE IN A FREE COURSE ENTITLED 

“GAIT PHYSIOTHERAPY
– PRACTICAL ASPECTS AND INNOVATIONS”

JOB OFFER

We encourage you to make an offer:

 
 

FINAL MEETING – SMARTherapy+

On 8th September 2023, the Academy of Physical Education in Katowice was the esteemed venue for the concluding session of the Erasmus+ project titled, “Smart learning for gait physiotherapy – a standardized tool for health higher education in Europe.” Following the temporary suspension of the project, a combined physical and virtual meeting was convened, bringing together distinguished partners including Fondazione Politecnico di Milano, Silesian University of Technology, Universität zu Lübeck, and the hosting institution, Academy of Physical Education in Katowice. The primary agenda for this meeting was the final preparation phase for the culmination of the project, focusing on the inception of a state-of-the-art e-learning platform aimed at enhancing the proficiency of physiotherapists.

Throughout this significant gathering, attendees meticulously reviewed the progress report detailing the present status of the training content. They examined both the completed components and the outstanding elements within modules 1-3, which encompass the Fundamentals of Gait Physiotherapy – An Interdisciplinary Overview, the Methodological Approach to Gait Physiotherapy, and Gait Physiotherapy in Case Studies – Insights from Practical Engagements.

Further, deliberations were held concerning the intricacies of the e-learning platform, an introductory course for educators in physiotherapy, current and forthcoming dissemination activities, the impending Multiplier Event 3, detailed quality assessments and especially – the preparation for the final report, outlining its breadth, pending responsibilities and submission timelines. To conclude, the project team talked through main assumptions of the exploitation strategy.

Online course

A course in gait physiotherapy developed as part of the project ‘Smart learning for gait physiotherapy – a standardised tool for health higher education in Europe’ (acronym: SMARTherapy+).
For organisational reasons, the course will start on 02.10.2023.

SMARTherapy+

 Minutes from the midterm meeting 04.07.2023 – after the suspension period

A Midterm Meeting of the SMARTherapy+ project Partners was held on-line on 04.07.2023 from 10.30am to 12.15pm. The meeting was attended by 10 participants representing all project Partners.

SUT as the host of the meeting, welcomed all participants and presented the agenda. The course of the meeting with discussion and conclusions was as follows:

  • SUT presented upgraded project schedule after suspension period. FPM proposed to extend tasks 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7 until the end of the project in order to have the conditions and possibilities to improve or correct the tasks, particularly after pilot course and evaluation. All partners approved the proposition of final project schedule.
  • Each partner reported the current status of the training materials. SUT announced weekly monitoring the work and submitting a progress table of missing training materials. Each Partner is obligated to complete regularly progress table that is available on the OneDrive service.

In addition, SUT reminded that will prepare the intro-video presenting the content of each unit based on the short power-point presentations provided by each partner.

AWF confirmed preparation of theoretical part of gait physiotherapy methodologies, according to curriculum: Module 2: Methodological approach to gait physiotherapy, Unit 1: Gait physiotherapy methodologies, particularly as  supporting material of Module 3: Gait physiotherapy in case studies – learning from practice.

  • SUT presented the final proposition of e-platform as platform of SUT: https://platforma.polsl.pl/?lang=en However, some of training materials like intro-video will be available within other channels, not only on e-learning platform in order to enhance dissemination activities.
  • Project partners presented and discussed activities in the area of dissemination field for the period of June 2022 – August 2022 and June 2023 as well as ongoing and planned activities in this area.
  • FPM informed about two propositions of Multiplier Event 3: (1) as a part of conference; (2) event organized in hospitals. After decision about choosing the event SUT will help with formal preparation of the event, e.g. will send to FPM templates of event agenda, list of attendees etc.
  • AWF will send information about current quality reports state. A discussion was held on the possibility of organizing the last questionnaire survey after finishing all the tasks. The final decision will be made after updating information by AWF.
  • SUT presented most important issues connected to final report of the project:
  • The date of final report: 60 days after project completion
  • Project completion: October 31st 2023
  • Final report: December 30th 2023
  • The Partner shall provide SUT with any information and documents required for the preparation of the final report and, where appropriate, with copies of all the necessary supporting documents completed and signed by the legal representative by November 30th 2023 at the latest.
  • The impact part of the project was highlighted especially in the context of final report.
  • AWF as a host organization of final meeting proposed the date: 8th of September 2023 in Katowice. AWF will send detailed information about the meeting to the partners by email.

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE MEDICAL TRAINER SUMMIT

  • When: 23-24 June 2023        
  • Where: Warsaw, Poland                                           

On 23-24.06.2023 in Warsaw (Poland), representatives of the Silesian University of Technology in the persons of: Patrycja Kabiesz and Agnieszka Ziętkiewicz took part in the International Medical Trainer SUMMIT Conference.

The conference was aimed at personal trainers, medical trainers, physiotherapists, and medical and sports specialists.

As part of this event, the SMARTherapy+ project was presented. The presentation took the form of a stand on which a roll-up was displayed and information material in the form of a leaflet was prepared for those interested. In addition, the course and in particular the thematic modules to be included in the course were discussed in individual interviews. Each person was also able to obtain information on the formal requirements for taking part in the course.

ARTICLE IN THE 2/2023 ISSUE OF

EUROPE FOR THE ACTIVE

An article has been published on the project Smart learning for gait physiotherapy – a standardized tool for health higher in Europe (acronym SMARTherapy+) in the quarterly “Europe for the Active” for beneficiaries of educational and youth programs implemented by the Foundation for the Development of the Education System.

The article is available at: https://www.frse.org.pl/wydawnictwo/kwartalnik-europa-dla-aktywnych

 

MEETING SMARTherapy+ 

A Midterm Meeting of the SMARTherapy+ project Partners was held on 16.06.2022 from 9.00am to 1pm personally at Fondazione Politecnico di Milano FPM (Milano, Italy). The meeting was attended by 8 participants representing all project Partners.

FPM as the Host of the meeting, welcomed all participants and SUT as project leader presented the agenda. The course of the meeting with discussion and conclusions was as follows:

  • a representative of each Partner presented and discussed activities in the area of dissemination field for the period of December 2021 – May 2022, as well as ongoing and planned activities in this area.  Joanna Bartnicka thanked all partners for their work and encouraged them to further activities. She also described visit of SUT in the Health Clinic „Pod Tężniami” im. Jana Pawła II – medical services cooperative in Ciechocinek (Poland). The aim of the visit was to gain research materials for preparing training contents and to get a cooperation partner in the area of project promotion.
  • UzL reported Multiplier Event 2. It should be highlighted that within the ME2 specialists in physiotherapy were the speakers. The Partners agreed that this fact reflected two kinds of project impact: 1) project content can greatly and positively affect the audience (especially the future physiotherapists) because of engagement of various experts who, by their presence, confirmed the importance of the project outcomes for modern physiotherapy; 2) project can have impact on the physiotherapy community and the institutions represented by the invited speakers.
  • AWF presented the report of Questionnaire 3. The evaluation period was 1st December 2021 to 31st May 2022 . The Partners agreed that it is not possible to evaluate tasks that have just started. For this reason the decision was made to cancel that tasks. They are following 2.6, 2.7, 3.1. Additionally it was proposed to change the schedule moving tasks 2.7 and 3.1 to next month. (It occurred, after next financial report, that it is not possible because AWF reported activities and budget connected to these tasks).
  • Each partner presented progression of training content. SUT reminded about open drive available for all the Partners and asked to collect the materials inside. The partners agreed that this way is helpful and makes it possible to study training materials prepared by different Partners, to avoid creation of the similar content or just help each other in preparing the training. It is especially important when one unit is prepared by two partners.

Particularly, the discussion was about using and processing the video materials including case studies inside SMARTherapy+ tool.  SUT has obliged to create a form of a table in order to complete data about list of planned case studies (already done or not yet done), and start and end time for preparing slow video. AWF will complete the table and send to FPM that will help preparing slow videos.

UzL proposed to prepare short intro to each video material in order to make a student familiar with fundamental information about gait pathology presented by this video. All Partners agreed for this proposition.

  • SUT presented different options of e-learning platform (commercial or non-commercial). Next step is to do comparison analysis. SUT will prepare such an analysis.
  • SUT presented most important issues connected to financial part of the project, also reminded about future obligations connected to preparation of reports to European Commission with the use of Mobility Tool+.

The impact part of the project was  discussed. SUT highlighted that an important role in impact was  presenting by AWF the project aims and assumptions to the Ethical Commission, that agreed for preparing video materials with patients. FPM mentioned about the possibility to spread information about project within Italian Association of Physiotherapy.

In the context of project impact SUT reminded about the planned evaluation of project outcomes by external experts (after implementation of training content to e-learning platform). AWF declared that possible reviewers will be the authorities of The National Chamber of Physiotherapists (KIF) in Poland (KIF is a professional self-government, bringing together all Polish physiotherapists with the right to work as a physiotherapist). Including KIF into external evaluation of SMARThterapy+ educational tool will be a huge part of impact activities taking into account the fact that information about the project could be spread among all physiotherapists in Poland (72.000 beneficiaries).

  • FPM presented the tasks schedule for the preparation of the Multiplier Event 3 to be held in the autumn. SUT proposed that the ME3 can have hybrid form with online participation of Polish students.

Report on the second study visit for the international project no 2020-1-PL01-KA203-082292 entitled “Smart learning for gait physiotherapy – a standardized tool for health higher education in Europe” (SMARTherapy+)

On June 6th, 2022 in the John Paul II “Pod Tężniami” health resort clinic the second study visit took place in Ciechocinek. This time the aim of the meeting was to gather materials for the evaluation of the organization of physiotherapist’s workplace and the analysis of physiotherapist’s body position at work.

The meeting was attended by: representatives of the SMARTherapy+ project: Joanna Bartnicka, Patrycja Kabiesz, Agnieszka Ziętkiewicz, clinic representatives: Agnieszka Lorenc, Rehabilitation Manager, Michal Dylewski, specialist in the Research and Development Laboratory of the Motor System as well as Prof. Magdalena Hagner – Derengowska who is scientifically involved in physiotherapy.

Visit programme:

9:00 a.m. Meet with the Rehabilitation Manager and discuss the plan for the visit.
9:30 a.m. Getting acquainted with the infrastructure of the John Paul II Health Resort Clinic “Pod Tężniami”.
10:30 a.m. Observation of physiotherapists’ work during treatments.
11:30 a.m. Conduct an interview with the Rehabilitation Manager to obtain information about the physiotherapist’s workday planning in terms of time organization and use of available facilities.
12:00 a.m. The physiotherapist’s indication of the most frequent forced positions occurring during treatments for patients with gait dysfunction.
1:00 p.m. Meeting with the Board of the John Paul II Health Resort Clinic “Pod Tężniami”.
1:30 p.m. Lunch.
2:30 p.m. Completion of the Dortmund List questionnaire developed to identify occupational risk factors for physiotherapists.
3:30 p.m. Breaking.
5:00 p.m. Dinner and summary of work carried out.

The collected material will be used to develop training materials included in: module 2 Methodological approach to gait physiotherapy, unit 3 Ergonomics and workflow in gait physiotherapy as part of the ongoing SMARTherapy+ project.

XV SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE OF THE POLISH PHYSIOTHERAPY ASSOCIATION ENTITLED PERSPECTIVES FOR PHYSIOTHERAPY DEVELOPMENT 

19-21 May 2022, Pabianice, Poland

On 19-21 May 2022 in Pabianice (Poland), representatives of the Silesian University of Technology in the persons of: Joanna Bartnicka and Agnieszka Ziętkiewicz and J. Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education  in Katowice in the person of: Andrzej Myśliwiec participated in the 15th Scientific Conference of the Polish Physiotherapy Association entitled Perspectives for Physiotherapy Development, 2nd Conference of the Polish Association of Physiotherapy Specialists and 4th Conference of the Polish Physiotherapy Association Young Scientists. The scientific patronage of the conference was taken by the Vice President of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Prof. Stanisław J. Czuczwar.

The conference included two parallel sessions of papers divided into 9 thematic categories and 7 thematic workshops. During the breaks between the sessions, and especially during the breaks between the sessions, and especially in the afternoon, poster sessions were very popular, during which the participants had the opportunity to discuss their research in a friendly atmosphere, establish new scientific contacts, and also get acquainted with the presented technological novelties used in the profession of physiotherapist. The conference was attended by over 100 scientists and specialists in physiotherapy.

Due to a great need to exchange views on physiotherapy not only as a science but also on its development as a medical profession, the organisers made sure that each session included a discussion relating to the discussed topic category.

In the poster session Joanna Bartnicka and Agnieszka Ziętkiewicz from the Silesian University of Technology (SUT) presented the results of research conducted as part of the project “Smart learning for gait physiotherapy – a standardized tool for health higher education in Europe” (SMARTherapy+), which concerned Identifying educational needs in the field of gait physiotherapy. The team of authors consists of: Bartnicka J., Kabiesz P., Ziętkiewicz A., Silesian University of Technology, Myśliwiec A., J. Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, Pavan E., Fondazione Politecnico di Milano, Luedtke Kerstin, Universität zu Lübeck.

Taking into account that the beneficiaries of the project are academic teachers of physiotherapy, physiotherapy students, physicians at the conference a stand was prepared to disseminate information about the SMARTherapy+ project.

To sum up, during the conference the representatives of SUT presented a poster (photo below) and made a number of contacts, which in the future can be used, on the one hand, to evaluate the developed training materials by a group of external experts as well as constitute a base of potential recipients of the course in gait physiotherapy developed within the SMARTherapy+ project.

 

Report on the seminar presenting the results of the international project number 2020-1-PL01-KA203-082292 entitled. “Smart learning for gait physiotherapy – a standardized tool for health higher education in Europe” (SMARTherapy+)

  • When: 07.05.2022

On 7th May 2022 the University of Luebeck hosted a multiplier event to disseminate Information about SMARTherapy+ and gait physiotherapy amongst physiotherapists in Germany. The event took place with >50 participants who joined us in presence at the University of Luebeck and an additional <10 participants who followed the presentations online.

Four physiotherapy and medical gait experts presented latest research on gait analysis over the lifespan, starting with very young infants (Karin Determann) up to geriatric populations (Hanna Brodowski) and individuals suffering from functional movement disorders (Dr. Anne Weissbach). Kerstin Luedtke additionally informed about SMARTherapy and Annett Heitling provided state-of-the-art gait analysis evidence. In addition, flyers were handed out and a poster was presented to further disseminate information about SMARTherapy.

After the scientific presentations, all speakers offered hands-on and video-analysis workshops and participants had the choice to attend one out of four workshops.

Seminar agenda:

Event photos:

 

APPROVAL OF THE INTERIM REPORT OF THE ERASMUS+ PROJECT 2020-1-PL01-KA203-HE-082292

On 7 March 2022, the interim report of the Erasmus+ project number 2020-1-PL01-KA203-HE-082292 was approved by the Erasmus+ National Agency.

The strengths of the project were highlighted as:
– cooperation in the consortium,
– monitoring,
– promotion and information activities carried out with great commitment.

Weaknesses/areas for improvement:
– none.

„OPEN MEETINGS WITH THE SILESIAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY”

  • When: 19-20 & 26-27.01.2022
  • Where: Rybnik, Żory, Jastrzębie Zdrój (Poland)

Open Meetings with the Silesian University of Technology is an event aimed at this year’s high school graduates. During the meetings, mini-lectures were presenting the activities of the various departments of the university. Among the presentations was one on the implementation of the SMARTherapy+ project. The project’s executors from SUT presented the aims, objectives, and the current progress of work while promoting the subject matter of the project and awareness of the problem of the growing number of people with mobility dysfunctions. At the same time, the participants were informed that in the near future one of the solutions against this problem will be available in the educational sector.

ADVOCATES FOR SCIENCE IN THE FIELD 2022

On 01.03.2022 at 10:00-12:00 in the Education and Congress Centre of the Silesian University of Technology a meeting entitled. “Advocates for Science in the field 2022”, which was organized by the Centre for Science Popularization of the Silesian University of Technology.

Invited to the meeting were, among others, performers of the international project entitled “Smart learning for gait physiotherapy – a standardized tool for health higher education in Europe” (acronym: SMARTherapy+). For the purposes of the project, the organisers prepared a stand where project leaders from the Silesian University of Technology prepared a multimedia presentation as well as a description of the project in the form of a leaflet. The aim of these materials was to draw the attention of the media to the subject of growing needs in gait physiotherapy.

An example of media interest in the project is an interview given by Ms Patrycja Kabiesz to a local radio station in Silesia – Radio CCM in Gliwice. Ms Patrycja Kabiesz presented general information on the project, including its objective, scope, beneficiaries and contractors. In the further part of her speech she referred to utilitarian aspects of the project focusing on the development of an innovative educational tool in the field of gait physiotherapy, based on modern digital solutions. In particular, she highlighted that the SMARTheraphy+ project as a learning tool will be a digital and modern learning platform for physiotherapy and rehabilitation.

The entire interview was broadcast on 02.03.2022 at 16:00 on Radio CCM frequency 93.4 FM.

To sum up, participation in the meeting contributed to drawing media attention to the topics covered in the SMARTherapy+ project, and also made it possible to obtain new distribution channels for popularising the project.

MEETING SMARTherapy+ 

A Midterm Meeting of the SMARTherapy+ project contractors was held on 14.02.2022 from 8.00 am using the zoom platform. The meeting was attended by 11 participants representing all project Partners.

SUT as the Project Manager and initiator of the meeting, welcomed all participants and presented the agenda. Taking into account the agenda, the course of the meeting was as follows:

  • a representative of each Partner presented and discussed activities in the area of dissemination field for the period of December 2021 to January 2022. Joanna Bartnicka thanked all partners for their work and encouraged them to further activities in this area.
  • SUT presented the updated Curriculum Report. Then SUT presented the course templates and guidelines as well as example of developed teaching materials according to the prepared Templates.
  • In the further part of the meeting, the tasks to be implemented within the framework of IO2 entitled “Creation and implementation of SMARTherapy+ tool” were discussed, particularly by AWF, as well as matters concerning: revision of video materials and training scenario.
  • UzL presented the tasks schedule for the preparation of the Multiplier Event to be held in the spring.
  • AWF presented the report of Questionnaire 1&2. All Partners approved the report.
  • The last point of the meeting concerned miscellaneous matters. In this item, the SMARTherpay+ Project Manager discussed financial matters related to the project.

Key finding from the meeting:

  1. Ongoing and planned activities in the area of dissemination
  • Increase activities in the area of dissemination by all partners.
  1. Presentation of upgraded Curriculum
  • Work on Curriculum Report completed.
  1. Presentation of IO2 – content and schedule
  • Preparation of a model of training materials regarding case study by AWF with collaboration of SUT.
  1. Presentation of example of course content
  • Presentation of the finished teaching materials of Modules 1 and 2 and the effects of the work on the preparation of teaching materials of Module 3 at the midterm meeting in Milano.
  1. Multiplier Event 2 – information about progress
  • Online meeting in March of UzL with SUT in order to discuss issues connected to prepare Multiplier Event organised by UzL.
  1. Upgraded Questionnaire Report 1&2
  • The need to complete future Questionnaire Reports with additional comments.
  1. Steering Committee meeting
  • Approvement of Quality report

 

MEETING SMARTherapy+

On 21.12.2021 a working meeting of the SMARTherapy+ project implementers was held from 9.00 a.m. using the zoom platform. The meeting was attended by 13 people representing all units implementing the project.

Ms Joanna Bartnicka, PhD, as the Project Manager and initiator of the meeting, welcomed all present and presented the agenda. Then, on the behalf of the Silesian University of Technology (SUT) team, she presented and discussed the Dissemination Report for the period June-November 2021, and thanked all partners for their work to date in disseminating project results, and encouraged them to continue in this area.

Next, Joanna Bartnicka, PhD, presented the study prepared by the SUT team on Curriculum Report, referred to the comments of partners sent earlier by e-mail, and answered questions asked during the meeting. She then gave a presentation of course templates and guidelines.

The next part of the meeting concerned the discussion of tasks to be implemented within the framework of IO2 titled “Creation and implementation of SMARTherapy+ tool”. as well as matters concerning: revision of video materials, tasks to do within IO2 (schedule). Presentations in this area were made by Andrzej Mysliwiec, PhD, Professor of the Academy of Physical Education in Katowice (AWF), a representative of the team and also the IO2 Leader.

The third part of the meeting concerned various matters. At this point the SMARTherpay+ Project Manager Joanna Bartnicka, PhD thanked the Partners for sending their financial reports on time and then asked Piotr Rodak, PhD (AWF) to present the preliminary report from questionnaire 1&2.

Project Manager Joanna Bartnicka, PhD, closed the meeting at 10.30 a.m.

MEETING AT THE BRNO UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (BUT) IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC

  • When: 22-26.11.2021         
  • Where: Brno University of Technology (BUT),  Czech Republic

Between 22 and 26 November 2021, a representative of the Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice (AWF) Piotr Rodak gave a series of lectures as part of scientific meetings organised at the Brno University of Technology (BUT) in the Czech Republic to present the SMARThererapy+ project. The event was organised by the Sports Activity Centre and was attended by around 100 participants (students, professors and instructors).

During the lectures, Piotr Rodak introduced the participants to the scope of the project, as well as to the whole idea of strategic partnerships of the Erasmus+ programme, introducing all the project partners and the European Commission as the funder. Apart from the event itself, there were 4 additional meetings with the staff of the Sports Activity Centre, in which 20 employees of BUT and the University of Bratislava took part. At these also the project and the results of the research carried out were presented.

QUALITY PLAN

The document is available from the Project Coordinator.
This document presents the Quality Plan for the project Erasmus + KA203 2020-1-PL01-KA203-082292 “Smart learning for gait physiotherapy – a standardised tool for health higher education in Europe” (SMARTherapy+).
It is developed by the Project in accordance with the Project description and all applicable rules and guidelines.
The Quality Plan is an integral part of the Project and aims to ensure that the objectives are achieved in the most effective way. This Quality Plan (QP) defines the overall approach to quality control, internal and external evaluation and procedures to be used by partners for effective communication as well as production and documentation of Project deliverables. The document outlines a strategy for applying quality control mechanisms so that operational, management and working procedures are comprehensively monitored and improved throughout the life of the Project.
The quality of the SMARTherapy+ project is generally guaranteed by the high award status of the partners, as well as by the high standard of the work plan. However, close monitoring of the quality of the project at different stages of its implementation is considered crucial for its success. The Quality Plan (QP) is an important document for all partners and reflects their willingness to maintain the high quality of all products throughout the project. The QP includes quality management activities to oversee and guide the project outputs to ensure their quality, excellence and relevance to the project objectives through internal evaluations as an ongoing process throughout the project. This results in several qualitative and quantitative indicators that will be used to assess the quality of project activities and outcomes.

SILESIAN SCIENCE FESTIVAL

  • When: 09.10.2021 – 15.10.2021         
  • Where: Katowice, online                                           

The 5th Silesian Science Festival had a hybrid form. Part of the workshops took place in stationary form in Katowice (Poland) and part of the workshops took place online via zoom.eu. We organised an online workshop on 15.10.2021on the topic „See fatigue and assess its effects – the role of ergonomics in the modern world.” The workshops were enjoyed by those interested, and the young participants particularly appreciated practical exercises on the borderline of cognitive ergonomics. The results of the international SMARTherapy+ project were presented during the workshop.

NIGHT OF SCIENTISTS

  • When: 09.10.2021      
  • Where: online                                           

 At the Silesian University of Technology, Faculty of Organisation and Management, an event entitled Researchers’ Night was held online via zoom.eu. As part of Researchers’ Night, SUT organised an open meeting during which the results of the SMARTherapy+.

REPORT ON MIDTERM MEETING HELD ON 28.09.2021

On 28.09.2021 there was a Midterm meeting of the SMARTherapy+ project (Erasmus + program), which was organized by Universitat zu Lubeck (Germany) for the project consortium: Silesian University of Technology (SUT, Poland), Fondazione Politecnico di Milano (Italy) and. Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice (Poland). The meeting was held via zoom. The main objectives of the meeting were: (a) to discuss the results of the surveys and focus groups organized in all countries (b) to discuss and agree on the tasks and deadlines set by each partner (c) to define how the IO2 task will be implemented. Below is the agenda and the main outcomes of each agenda item:

  1. Introductory issue. Scope of midterm meeting
    • UzL opened the meeting, welcomed the participants.
    • UzL presented the meeting agenda and the scope of the Midterm meeting
  1. Report of the first Multiplier Event
    • SUT reported on the first Multiplier Event.
  2. Dissemination report (presentation of dissemination activities done by each partner)
    • Each partner submitted a Dissemination report for the period June 2021-August 2021.
  3. Status quo: what are the main outcomes from our research activities so far?
    • SUT presented the main results of the survey and the main results of the focus group interviews from each country
    • SUT presented the main outcomes of the project: 1. Definition of the training requirements with the use of international surveys (online questionnaire – at least 100 participants , interviews with therapists authorities, systemic review of existing learning programs in physiotherapy, especially in gait domain, data analysis); 2 Definition of the learning objectives; 3 Definition of the structure and specification of SMARTherapy+ tool;  4 Definition of educational methods and forms; 5 Developing an innovative project of curriculum in the field of gait physiotherapy.
    • SUT has proposed areas of medicine in which case studies will be conducted: orthopedics, neurology, geriatrics, pediatrics.
    • SUT presented and discussed the course structure.

     5. Discussion:

  • How are these results being used to develop the SMARTherapy+ curriculum (I01)
  • How will the curriculum be implemented when developing the training contents (IO2)
  1. Proposition of IO2 tasks’ schedule and discussion
  2. Management and financial aspects
  • PC discussed the key issues related to the project budget.
  1. Impact aspects
  • SUT presented the spectrum of dissemination activities:
  • ME1: Presentation of the curriculum and educational methods of SMARTherapy+ tool
  • ME2: Workshop on interactive SMARTherapy+ tool
  • ME3: Implementation of SMARTherapy+ tool into learning process at higher education
  1. Quality plan and first report; Establishing technical guidelines for material sourcing
  • AWF presented the Quality Plan that was developed.
  1. Questions & Discussion
  2. Steering Committee Meeting
  3. End of meeting

XVIII INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE MULTIDISCIPLINARY ASPECTS OF PRODUCTION ENGINEERING MAPE 2021

  • When: 14-17.09.2021         
  • Where: Zamość, Poland

The aim of the conference was to exchange experiences between specialists in production engineering, environmental management, production organization, health care, diagnostics and information systems, as well as to present research results and their practical application. Project members promoted and presented the results of the SMARTherapy+ project during this event.

“ZABRZE NOT ONLY FOR THE WEEKEND”

  • When: 10-11.07.2021         
  • Where: Ogrodzieniec Castle, Poland

“Zabrze not only for the weekend” was the motto of the event that took place on 10-11 July 2021, at Ogrodzieniec Castle – the largest and one of the most famous buildings of its kind in Silesia, and the most popular of all castles on the Eagles’ Nests Trail.

Thanks to this two-day event, tourists from all over Poland visiting Ogrodzieniec Castle had the opportunity to see the results of the SMARTherapy+ project.

SEMINAR ON THE RESULTS OF A PROJECT

  • When: 26.06.2021         
  • Where: Bydgoszcz, online                                           

Seminar on the results of a project titled “Smart learning for gait physiotherapy – a standardized tool for health higher education in Europe”  SMARTherapy+
under a patronage
of the Rector of University of Bydgoszcz
of the Rector of Khmelnytskyi National University

Link to the meeting:

https://zoom.us/j/98068195766

COLLABORATION WITH EXTERNAL ENTITIES FOR THE PROJECT

On 15.03.2021 the framework agreement no. 118/ROZ0/RR4/2021 was concluded between the Silesian University of Technology and University of Bydgoszcz, one of the aims of which is cooperation of the parties for the implementation of the project “Smart learning for gait physiotherapy – a standardized tool for health higher education in Europe” (acronym: SMARTherapy+), no. 2020-1-PL01-KA203-082292.

Priorities of the cooperation include organizing workshops and trainings as well as consultations and exchange of scientific information and experience in the field of advanced technologies in health care.

On 19.05.2021 at the Faculty of Organization and Management of Silesian University of Technology took place an official meeting inaugurating cooperation in the above mentioned scope. The meeting was attended by: representative of the Rector of Bydgoszcz University of Technology, Piotr Bojar, PhD, Manager of the SMARTherapy+ project, Joanna Bartnicka, PhD and Dean of the Faculty of Organization and Management, Prof. Jan Kaźmierczak.

RESULTS OF THE MIDTERM MEETING

On 14.05.2021 a Midterm meeting of the SMARTherapy+ project (Erasmus + programme) took place, which was attended by the project coordinator, Silesian University of Technology (SUT, Poland), participated together with the  Fondazione Politecnico di Milano (Italy), Universitat zu Lubeck (Germany), and the Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice (Poland).

The main objective of the project is the development of an innovative comprehensive and homogeneous in European level educational tool available online for teachers and students of medical health higher schools. Particularly the purpose of this educational tool is to provide  the possibility to create the high quality gait physiotherapy learning procedures, based on the up-to-date knowledge of physiotherapy and the modern & smart methodologies for effective forms of teaching. Training content will be developed focusing on the main interest areas of the health professionals in Europe, especially those involved in gait physiotherapy.

In this meeting they have dealt with issues related to the work done so far, mainly with the organization of discussion groups and the developing of a curriculum, activities aimed at detecting training needs on gait physiotherapy in the university context.

In addition, during the meeting the structure and content of the training materials to be developed within the framework of the project were exposed. On the other hand, different aspects related to the dissemination of the project, exploitation and quality have been commented.

The Erasmus + SMARTherapy+ project will provide free access teaching materials for the generation of training activities in gait physiotherapy assessment in medical schools.

COLLABORATION WITH EXTERNAL ENTITIES FOR THE PROJECT

  • Khmelnitsky National University

On 13.04.2021 a meeting was held on establishing cooperation between the Silesian University of Technology and Khmelnitsky National University in the implementation of the international project SMARTherapy+.

Present at the meeting:

From the side of Silesian University of Technology, Faculty of Organization and Management:

  • Joanna Bartnicka, Vice Dean for Education, SMARTherapy+ project manager
  • Agnieszka Ziętkiewicz

From the side of Khmelnytsky National University:

  • Oleg Polishchuk, Cooperation Coordinator, Director of the Ukrainian-Polish Center for European Integration
  • Serhiy Matyukh Prorector for Science and Didactics
  • Oleg Bazilchuk, Head of Department of Physiotherapy, ErgoTherapy

During the discussion, potential areas of cooperation were identified:

co-organization of a remote seminar presenting the topics of the project. The seminar should be attended by, among others, employees and students of the physiotherapy department of the above mentioned University. The aim of the seminar is to discuss the assumptions of the project and to conduct a series of lectures presenting knowledge in the field of gait physiotherapy. The seminar would also plan to discuss issues in response to the growing need for gait physiotherapy, which arises from three important phenomena:

1) Unhealthy, including sedentary lifestyles and the so-called kinesiophobia, or fear of pain due to movement.

2 ) An aging population. Age is a factor that increases the risk of gait dysfunction, such as slower gait or increased gait variability. These changes are further compounded by visual disturbances and an increased risk of falls, which can eventually lead to severe injuries.

3) The large number and variety of disease cases in both children and adults requiring intensive and professional gait rehabilitation. Within the framework of the seminar it is also planned to have an open discussion about the needs of gait physiotherapy not only in Poland, but also in Ukraine, and the whole European Union. It is important because there are no European standards of physiotherapist profession ensuring maximum safety and high quality of the therapy on the same level, there are no harmonized guidelines and standards in this field. There are also no commonly available and standardized didactic materials about gait physiotherapy.

Cooperation within Focus Group: participation of physiotherapy experts – employees of Khmelnitsky National University in the meeting on identification of training needs in the field of gait physiotherapy. The meeting of experts would be held remotely. The estimated duration of the meeting is about 1 h, and the preferred language remains to be agreed upon.

We conduct an expert interview questionnaire

which aims to identify educational needs in gait physiotherapy in Europe

The interview questionnaire was developed for the international project “Smart learning for gait physiotherapy – a standardized tool for health higher education in Europe” (nr 2020-1-PL01-KA203-082292) funded by the Erasmus+ Strategic Partnerships for Higher Education programme, Action 2, Year 2020, which is implemented by: Silesian University of Technology (Poland), Fondazione Politecnico di Milano (Italy), Universitat zu Lubeck (Germany), Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice (Poland).
The answers obtained in the survey will be analysed in statistical summaries and will be used to develop a professional course in gait physiotherapy, as well as for research purposes.
Manner of conducting the interview: remotely using information technology to ensure recording and identification of the expert.

Focus group participants: physiotherapy experts.

Summary conclusion of the survey questionnaire

Thank you to all participants and institutions participating in the research!

The survey was addressed to academic teachers, specialists in the field of gait physiotherapy, and also to physiotherapy students supplementing their knowledge in the field of gait recovery.
The research was aimed to identify educational needs in the field of gait physiotherapy in Europe. The respondents represented mainly project partners countries (Poland, Germany and Italy). Moreover, thanks to the participation of affiliated organisations, the sample was extended to other European countries.

Actuallu, we are in the process of conducting a qualitative-quantitative analysis of the research results.

Survey Questionnaire – Identifying educational needs in the field of gait physiotherapy in Europe

We would appreciate it if you could take this 10-min survey, aiming to identify educational needs in the field of gait physiotherapy in Europe.
The survey is addressed to academic teachers, specialists in the field of gait physiotherapy, and also to physiotherapy students supplementing their knowledge in the field of gait recovery.
The survey was developed within the framework of the international project entitled “Smart learning for gait physiotherapy – a standardized tool for health higher education in Europe” (No. 2020-1-PL01-KA203-082292) financed by the Erasmus+ Programme Strategic Partnerships for Higher Education, Action 2, 2020.
The partners of the project are the Silesian University of Technology (Poland), Fondazione Politecnico di Milano (Italy), Universitaet zu Luebeck (Germany), Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education (Poland).
The survey is anonymous. The responses will be analysed statistically and synthesized in text and graphics. The results will help to define the subsequent steps of the research project aiming to provide a professional course on gait physiotherapy.

Survey in English language

Survey in Polish language

Survey in Italian language

Survey in German language

KICKOFF MEETING SMARTherapy+

Kickoff meeting was organized by Silesian University of Technology (SUT) on 19th November 2020 via zooma.eu. The main objectives of the meeting were: (a) to get to know the purpose and scope of the project by all participants from partner institutions (b) to discuss and agree on the tasks and deadlines set by each partner (c) to establish the Steering Committee and its responsibilities. The list of participants in the meeting included representatives of each partner: Silesian University of Technology (SUT), Universität zu Lübeck (UzL), Fondazione Politecnico di Milano (FPM), Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education (AWF). The following is the agenda and the main results of each agenda item:

1. Welcome. Introductory issue. Scope of the kick-off meeting.

– The PC Project Coordinator opened the meeting, welcomed the participants and asked everyone to introduce themselves.

– The PC presented the meeting agenda and the scope of the kick-off meeting.

2. Brief presentation of the meeting participants and partner organizations.

– Each partner introduced the organization they represent.

3. Presentation of the aim and scope of the project

– PC presented the main objective of the project which is to develop an innovative, open and homogeneous at European level educational tool dedicated to the higher education system in health.  And the strategic objectives are: to reform the teaching methods and approach of secondary schools to medical education, which are based on the practical acquisition of knowledge from real and diverse physiotherapy cases. Adapting education to the digital age: the challenge is not only to provide current and future generations with technical skills related to new technologies, but also to build a new culture of collaboration, especially in critical conditions such as the current pandemics. Adapting new skills that provide opportunities to implement telemedicine-based therapeutic solutions.

4. Each of the Partners responsible for a specific part of the project presented the objectives, scope, tasks to be performed in the future: intellectual products and tasks, results, events.

– Partners decided to divide the tasks as follows:

  • WP1 Definition and standardization of SMARTherapy+ curriculum (Leader SUT)
  • WP2 Development and implementation of training content into SMARTherapy+ tool (Leader AWF)
  • WP3 Performance of preparatory course for physiotherapy teachers (Leader UzL)
  • WP5 Dissemination (Leader SUT)
  • WP6 Explotation of the course (Leader FPM)
  • WP7 Project management (Leader SUT)

5. Management and financial aspects

– PC presented the budget after adjustments made by the National Agency and defined the dates for the internal reports (every 6 months) and for the National Agency (interim report 15/01/2022; final report 60 days after the end of the project).

– The PC proposed a payment schedule, which are written in the grant agreement. Each Partner has agreed to it and has signed the Partnership Agreement.

6. Presentation of dissemination, exploitation, quality and impact aspects

– SUT presented the spectrum of dissemination activities:

ME1:  Presentation of the curriculum and educational methods of SMARTherapy+ tool

ME2: Workshop on interactive SMARTherapy+ tool

ME3:  Implementation of SMARTherapy+ tool into learning process at higher education

7. Establishing Steering Committee

It was agreed that the Steering Committee will consist of one person from each unit implementing the project. In accordance with the decision taken at the meeting, the Steering Committee is composed as follows: Joanna Bartnicka (SUT), Andrzej Myśliwiec (AWF), Esteban E. Pavan (FPM), Kerstin Lüdtke (UzL).

8. Presentation of the tasks in progress (T1.1) and discussion

– T1.1. online questionnaire, interviews with therapists authorities, systemic review of existing learning programs in physiotherapy, especially in gait domain, data analysis: (a) Preparation of questionnaire, (b) Conducting international survey, (c) Preparation of Focus group guide, (d) Conducting focus group panels with external experts to identify main objectives, procedures and possible structure of SMARTherapy+

-SUT presented a schedule for the task.

9. Close of the meeting

START PROJECT

The project entitled “Smart learning for gait physiotherapy – a standardized tool for health higher education in Europe” (acronym: SMARTherapy+), No. 2020-1-PL01-KA203-082292, obtained funding after applying to the Erasmus+ Call 2020 Key Action 2, Strategic Partnerships in the field of Higher Education- strategic partnerships for innovation. The application received the highest scores, and was ranked first among all applications approved for funding.
The project is coordinated by the Silesian University of Technology. The group of project partners includes Fondazione Politecnico di Milano (Italy), Universitat zu Lubeck (Germany), and the Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice (Poland).
The project will be implemented in 27 months, from 01/11/2020 to 31/01/2023, and the granted amount funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union is EUR 253,260.

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