On May 4, 2026, the Department of Physiotherapy at Tishk International University (TIU) successfully organized and executed a vital community-based rehabilitation (CBR) project aimed at serving elderly and retired citizens. The initiative took place at the Baghi Shar Park, a beautifully organized community hub dedicated to providing senior citizens with a space for rest, social engagement, and interaction.

Recognizing the unique physical challenges that come with ageing and retirement, the TIU Physiotherapy Department structured a quality-based, comprehensive health initiative to assess, treat, and educate the residents. The project was seamlessly coordinated by Mr. Mahmood Soran (Department Coordinator) and PT Paiwand Mamand (Research Assistant), alongside a dedicated team of volunteer students from the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grades.

A Structured, Three-Tier Clinical Pathway

To ensure the highest standard of care, the project was organized into a professional, three-tier clinical pathway, giving the elderly residents an integrated healthcare experience:

  1. Station 1: Triage, Biography, and Vitals Students took comprehensive medical biographies and conducted baseline health checkups, including blood pressure monitoring, to ensure all participants were stable and ready for physical evaluation.

  2. Station 2: Expert Physical Assessment. Residents were then guided to the evaluation zone, where TIU specialized lecturers, actively assisted by senior students, performed detailed musculoskeletal and neurological assessments to identify specific physical impairments and joint limitations.

  3. Station 3: Targeted Treatment, Prevention, and Exercise Prescription. Based on their assessments, the elderly individuals received immediate physiotherapy interventions, including personalized exercise prescriptions, manual guidance, and essential ergonomic advice to prevent future injuries and manage chronic pain.

Sustainable Contributions to the Baghi Shar Park

To guarantee the long-term impact of the project, the TIU Physiotherapy Department left lasting contributions at the facility to promote ongoing physical activity and safety:

  • Educational Wall Displays: The department installed professional wall labels and instructional posters detailing Joint Protection Techniques and safe equipment usage guidelines, ensuring residents perform movements correctly.

  • Rehabilitation Equipment Donations: Separate, tailored health gifts were distributed to both the male and female wings of the centre. These included professional exercise mats, dumbbells, and resistance therabands so residents can continue their physical maintenance routines independently.

Mutual Benefits: Community Welfare and Clinical Excellence

This community project offered profound advantages to everyone involved:

  • For the Elderly Residents: The project provided an easily reachable, cost-free, and comprehensive healthcare service directly in their comfort zone. It addressed the prevalent geriatric issue of modern isolation by promoting health through community interaction, vastly improving their physical independence and quality of life.

  • For TIU Students: This experience offered an invaluable transition from theory to practice. Stepping outside the traditional boundaries of classrooms, simulated labs, and formal hospitals, students engaged in authentic, direct patient care. It significantly enhanced their clinical reasoning, communication skills, empathy, and understanding of community-based rehabilitation frameworks.

Heartfelt Expressions of Gratitude

The Department of Physiotherapy extends its deepest gratitude to the Manager and Administration of the Baghi Shar Park for their exceptional hospitality, organization, and collaboration. We are equally grateful to the wonderful elderly residents who welcomed us and participated so enthusiastically; the TIU family wishes them vibrant health, longevity, and a joyful, active retirement.

Finally, the department extends a heartfelt thank you and appreciation to our volunteer students. Their hard work, professionalism, and compassionate spirit were the driving forces behind the resounding success of this project. You have represented TIU with true distinction!

Keywords: Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR), Geriatric Physiotherapy, Elderly Physical Assessment, TIU Community Outreach, Joint Protection Techniques.