The Department of Physiotherapy, in addition to organised teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels, participates in a number of projects related to health promotion. The teaching content mastered by students is based on professional and scientific knowledge in the field of physiotherapy. Teaching is organised in well-equipped laboratories and lecture rooms of the Faculty.
Teaching is also conducted at the following locations: Thalassotherapia Opatija and Crikvenica, Clinical Hospital Centre Rijeka, Orthopaedic Clinic Lovran, Nursing Homes, Brašćine-Pulac Rehabilitation Centre, Education and Training Centre, Scipion Polyclinic, Peharec Polyclinic, and other institutions where knowledge is acquired through WBL – Work Based Learning.
With a tradition dating back to 1984, the physiotherapy study programme was initially delivered at the Faculty of Medicine. It has undergone numerous changes, from curriculum content to duration, evolving from a two-year to a three-year programme in line with EU higher education guidelines. In recent years, the programme follows qualification requirements and competencies of physiotherapists through teaching based on evidence from professional and scientific research, as well as national umbrella organisations responsible for the development of the profession.
In addition to teaching facilities, the Faculty also houses a Biomechanics Laboratory, which supports the development of the scientific component of physiotherapy.
Through cooperation with institutions in Croatia and universities in other EU member states, the physiotherapy programme continuously works on improving and enhancing the quality of both teaching staff and the study programme itself.
Department of Physiotherapy
Head of Department
- Assist. Prof. Hrvoje Vlahović, PhD
- e-mail: hrvoje.vlahovic@fzsri.uniri.hr
Deputy Head of Department
- Senior Lecturer Jasna Lulić Drenjak
- Office hours: Tuesday 12:00–13:00
- e-mail: jasna.lulic.drenjak@fzsri.uniri.hr
Head of Graduate Programme
- Assist. Prof. Mirela Vučković, PhD
- e-mail: mirela.vuckovic@fzsri.uniri.hr
Head of Undergraduate Programme
- Assist. Prof. Hrvoje Vlahović, PhD
- e-mail: hrvoje.vlahovic@fzsri.uniri.hr
Administrative staff
- Sanja Sanković, MSc in Economics (undergraduate programmes secretary)
- Tel.: +385 51 554 934
- e-mail: sanja.sankovic@fzsri.uniri.hr
- Ines Sučić, BSc in Economics (graduate programmes secretary, room reservations)
- Tel.: +385 51 554 932
- e-mail: ines.sucic@uniri.hr
Staff
- Assist. Prof. Hrvoje Vlahović, PhD
- e-mail: hrvoje.vlahovic@fzsri.uniri.hr
- Assoc. Prof. Stanislav Peharec, PhD
- e-mail: stanislav.peharec@fzsri.uniri.hr
- Assist. Prof. Mirela Vučković, PhD
- Office hours: can be arranged via e-mail at different times
- e-mail: mirela.vuckovic@fzsri.uniri.hr
- Senior Lecturer Verner Marijančić
- Office hours: Tuesday and Thursday 13:00–14:00
- e-mail: verner.marijancic@fzsri.uniri.hr
- Senior Lecturer Kristijan Zulle
- e-mail: kristijan.zulle@fzsri.uniri.hr
- Senior Lecturer Ivana Kotri
- e-mail: ivana.kotri@uniri.hr
- e-mail: anavikotri@gmail.com
- Senior Lecturer Jasna Lulić Drenjak
- e-mail: jasna.lulic.drenjak@fzsri.uniri.hr
- Teaching Assistant Marijan Mašić
- e-mail: marijan.masic@uniri.hr
External Associates (Title Holders)
- Assist. Prof. Snježana Benko, PhD
- e-mail: snjezana.benko@uniri.hr; snjezanabenko@windowslive.com
- Lecturer Ivan Didović, MSc
- e-mail: ididovi598@gmail.com
- Lecturer Aleksandra Mihelčić, MSc
- e-mail: aleksandra.mihelcic@uniri.hr; aleksandra.mihelcic@gmail.com
- Nenad Petrc, PhD
- e-mail: nenad.petrc@fzsri.uniri.hr
- Senior Lecturer Slaven Međimurec
- e-mail: slaven.medjimurec@uniri.hr; slavenmedjimurec@gmail.com
- Senior Lecturer Ivanka Baniček Šoša
- e-mail: fizikalna-susak.glt@kbc-rijeka.hr
- Lecturer Karlo Horvat
- e-mail: karlo.horvat@uniri.hr; karlo.kryn@gmail.com
- Lecturer Diana Veljanovska
- e-mail: diana.veljanovska@medri.uniri.hr
- Lecturer Daniela Butorac
- e-mail: daniela.butorac@gmail.com
- Senior Lecturer Marina Deucht
- e-mail: marina.deucht@uniri.hr
- Lecturer Anita Gudac
- e-mail: anitagudac@gmail.com
- Lecturer Denijela Panić
- e-mail: danijela.panic@gmail.com
- Lecturer Sanja Tomić
- e-mail: sanjatomic2604@gmail.com
Publications
- Marijančić V, Šegulja S, Vučković M, Sović I, Peharec S, Grubić Kezele T, Starčević-Klasan G. Gender Differences in the Relationship Between Fatigue, Different Types of Physical Activity, Postural Changes, and Sleep Quality in University Students – Part II: Analyses from a Cross-Sectional Study. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol. 2025 Aug 8;10(3):307. doi: 10.3390/jfmk10030307. PMID: 40843838; PMCID: PMC12371991.
- Sović I, Brentin M, Vučković M, Lekić A, Starčević-Klasan G, Miletić B, Vlahović H. Influence of Talocrural Joint Position on the Quadriceps Femoris Muscle Torque Measured with an Isokinetic and EasyForce® Dynamometer in Young Adults. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol. 2025 Jun 27;10(3):245. doi: 10.3390/jfmk10030245. PMID: 40700181; PMCID: PMC12285929.
- Lulić Drenjak J, Užičanin E, Zenić N. Sport, Physical Activity and (Harmful) Alcohol Drinking in University Students During the First Year After the COVID-19 Pandemic: Gender-Stratified Cross-Sectional Study. Polish Journal of Sport and Tourism, 2023. Sciendo, vol. 30(2), pages 15–21, June.
- Vučković M, Baždarić K, Salibašić A, Lončar V, Slivšek G, Šegulja S, Sorta-Bilajac Turina I. Effects of Nordic Walking on Functional Capacity of Women Cohort with Breast Cancer. Curr Oncol. 2024 May 25;31(6):2974–2984.
- Jerončić B, Jelovica L, Starčević-Klasan G, Zulle K, Jovanović Ž, Miletić B. From Rehab to Routine: Ensuring Lasting Lifestyle Changes After Cardiac Rehabilitation – First Experiences from the “Love Your Heart” Program. Acta Med Acad. 2025 Apr;54(1):7–17. doi: 10.5644/ama2006-124.471. PMID: 40206016; PMCID: PMC12309306.
- Vuckovic M, Bazdaric K, Salibasic A, Loncar V, Slivsek G, Segulja S, Sorta-Bilajac Turina I. Effects of Nordic Walking on Functional Capacity of Women Cohort with Breast Cancer. Curr Oncol. 2024 May 25;31(6):2974–2984.
- Staraj Bajcic T, Sorta-Bilajac Turina I, Lucijanic M, Sinozic T, Vuckovic M, Bazdaric K. Cyberchondria, Health Literacy, and Perception of Risk in Croatian Patients with Risk of Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV – A Cross-Sectional Study. Epidemiologia (Basel). 2024 Aug 22;5(3):525–538.
- Petrc N, Brentin M, Vučković M*, Kehler T. Comparison of Isokinetic Exercise and Standard Exercise Protocol in Patients with Spondyloarthropathies. J Health Sci. 2024 May;14(1):56–62.
- Drenjak, J. L., Blazevic, M., & Zenić, N. (2024). Analysis of the Relationships between Sport Participation, Physical Activity, and Concurrent Substance Misuse in College Students: A Gender-Stratified Analysis in the Post-Pandemic Period. Sport Mont, 22(1), 99–107. doi: 10.26773/smj.240214
- Nenad Petrc, Matija Brentin, Mirela Vučković, Tatjana Kehler: Exercise Protocols in Patients with Spondyloarthropathies. Journal of Health Sciences 2024;14(1):56–62.
- Nenad Petrc, Matija Brentin, Laura Dessardo, Ivana Brentin, Sandra Rusac-Kukić: The Ratio of Shoulder Rotator Strength in Professional Swimmers. Fiz. rehabil. med. 2024;38(1-2):1–186.
- Veljanovska D., Lulić Drenjak J., Vlahović H. (2023). Club Expert Team Care for the Prevention and Rehabilitation of Professional Athletes’ Injuries: Quality of Team Organization. 4HAS. https://conference.unisport.hr/proceedings/
- Miletić M., Veljanovska D., Vlahović H. (2024). Correlation of Foot Load Distribution and Contact Surface with Balance in Professional Athletes and Students: Research. 4HAS. https://conference.unisport.hr/proceedings/
- Lulić Drenjak, J., Pehar, M., Užičanin, E., Kontić, D., Zenić, N.: Physical Activity, Sport Participation, and Cigarette Smoking in University Students after the COVID-19 Pandemic; Cross-Sectional Analysis of the Associations in South-Eastern Europe. Montenegrin Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, 2023.
- Lulić Drenjak J., Užičanin E., Zenić N.: Sport, Physical Activity and (Harmful) Alcohol Drinking in University Students During the First Year After COVID-19 Pandemic: Gender-Stratified Cross-Sectional Study. Polish Journal of Sport and Tourism, 2023.
- Veljanovska D., Petrc N. (2023). Metric Characteristics of the Fitness Test of the D-Wall System. Physiotherapia Croatica supplement. http://www.physiotherapia-croatica-suppl.com/PhysioterapiaCroatica/Zbornik_Zagreb_2023.pdf
- Nenad Petrc, Ivana Žgrablić, Matija Brentin: Application of New Technologies in Physiotherapy Intervention after Injury of the Lower Ankle Joint. Physiotherapia Croatica 2023;18 (suppl. 1), 67–71.
- Nenad Petrc, Diana Veljanovska: Metric Characteristics of the Fitness Test on the D-Wall System. Physiotherapia Croatica 2023;18 (suppl. 1), 53–57.
- Tatjana Kehler, Nenad Petrc, Matija Brentin, Sandra Rusac-Kukić: Application of Isokinetic Training in Patients with Axial Spondyloarthritis. Fiz. rehabil. med. 2022;36(1-2):1–58.
- Viviana Avancini-Dobrović, Ivanka Baniček Šoša, Dunja Mršić, Tea Schnurrer-Luke-Vrbanić. Neurorehabilitation and Robotics in Persons with Hemiparesis of the Upper Extremity after Stroke. Medicina Fluminensis. Vol. 58, No. 4, 2022. 407–415.
- Tea Schnurrer-Luke-Vrbanić, Ivanka Baniček Šoša, Tomislav Barišić, Matea Bagatin. Assessment of the Effectiveness of Robotics in Neurorehabilitation of the Upper Extremities in Patients after Stroke. Vol. 58, No. 4, 2022. 425–435.
- Iva Marincel Antolović, Ivanka Baniček Šoša, Martina Maričić Ljubas, Mia Hrlec, Matea Bagatin, Marjan Mašić. Rehabilitation of COVID-19 Patients with Severe ARDS Treated with Mechanical Ventilation and Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation. Physiotherapia Croatica, 2021;17:31–36.
- Vučković M*, Ružić L, Tudor A, Šutić I. Difference in Patient Quality of Life after Hip Arthroplasty with a Minimally Invasive Approach or Classic Approach. Acta Clin Croat. 2021 Mar;60(1):89–95.
- Tea Schnurrer-Luke-Vrbanić, Ivanka Baniček Šoša, Matea Bagatin, Viviana Avancini-Dobrović. Robotic Upper-Limb Rehabilitation in Chronic Stroke Patients. Congress of European Forum for Research in Rehabilitation. Book of abstracts. September 23–25, 2021. Slovenia.
- Laškarin, Gordana; Rakić, Marijana; Sotošek, Vlatka; Travica Samsa, Dijana; Peršić, Viktor; Kehler, Tatjana; Gobić, David; Zaputović, Luka; Rukavina, Daniel. Immunoregulatory Role of Circulating Endothelial vWF Positive Cells in Patients after Acute Myocardial Infarction // Journal of Biological Regulators & Homeostatic Agents, 35 (2021), 3; 1159–1168. doi:10.23812/21-85-L (international peer review, article, scientific)
- Kehler, Tatjana; Grubić Kezele, Tanja; Fužinac-Smojver, Ariana; Kauzlarić-Živković, Tamara. Association of Vitamin D Insufficiency and Low Physical Activity with Fatigue, Headaches and Psychological Distress in College Students, North-Mediterranean Croatia – A Pilot Study // Paediatria Croatica, 65 (2021), 2; 59–66. doi:10.13112/PC.2021.10 (international peer review, article, scientific)
- Tea Schnurrer-Luke-Vrbanić, Ivanka Baniček Šoša, Matea Bagatin, Viviana Avancini-Dobrović, Nives Štiglić-Rogoznica, Adelmo Šegota, Doris Stamenković. Effectiveness of the Use of an Exoskeleton Robotic Device in Neurorehabilitation of the Upper Extremities in Patients after Stroke. Fizikalna i rehabilitacijska medicina. 1-2/2020. 41–42.
- Adelmo Šegota, Nino Zahirović, Doris Stamenković, Ivanka Baniček Šoša, Mario Stahović, Marta Jančić, Tea Schnurr-Luke-Vrbanić. Effectiveness of the Early “Stepping” Phase of Verticalization in Patients with Paraplegia – A Case Report. 1-2/2020. 55–56.
- Laskarin, Gordana; Kehler, Tatjana; Persic, Viktor; Aralica, Merica; Ćurko-Cofek, Božena; Rogoznica, Marija; Rosovic, Ivan; Kauzlaric-Zivkovic, Tamara; Rusac-Kukic, Sandra; Rukavina, Daniel. Granulysin Mediated Cytotoxicity and Its Serum Concentration in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis // Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases / Smolen, Josef S. (ed.). London: BMJ Publishing Group, 2019. p. 1869–1869. doi:10.1136/annrheumdis-2019-eular.6079 (poster, international peer review, abstract, scientific)
- Laskarin, Gordana; Kehler, Tatjana; Legović, Dalen; Šantić, Veljko; Ćurko-Cofek, Božena; Drvar, Vedrana; Rogoznica, Marija; Rukavina, Daniel. Synovial Tissue Macrophages Are Dominantly Alternatively Activated in Patients with Mature Osteoarthritis // Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases / Smolen, Josef S. (ed.). London: BMJ Journals, 2020. p. 1337–1338. doi:10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-eular.3896 (poster, international peer review, abstract, scientific)
- Zenic N, Rezic M, Zovko IC, Vlahovic H, Sattler T. Does Participation in Sports Influence the Prevalence of and Initiation into Multiple Substance Misuse in Adolescence? A Two-Year Prospective Analysis. Children (Basel). 2020 Aug 22;7(9):109. doi: 10.3390/children7090109. PMID: 32842639. Free PMC article.
- Zenic N, Lipowska M, Maric D, Versic S, Vlahovic H, Gilic B. Exploring the Association between Alcohol Drinking and Physical Activity in Adolescence; Two-Year Prospective Study in Younger Adolescents from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Nov 12;18(22):11899. doi: 10.3390/ijerph182211899.
- Vlahovic H, Malnar D, Jelaska I, Marijancic V, Ivanac D, Arbanas J. Segmental Composition of the Porcine Iliopsoas Muscle and Influence of the Body Size and Posture on the Composition of the Iliopsoas Muscle. Anatomical Science International, 2021.
- Medjimurec S. Exercise and Quality of Life of Women with Osteoporosis. ERS – November 2019.
- Medjimurec S. Quality of Life and Level of Physical Activity of Younger School-Age Children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County. Paediatria Croatica Vol. 63, No. 4, October–December 2019.Nenad Petrc, Mirela Vučković, Danijela Panić, Matija Brentin: Application of the Isokinetic System in Predicting Hamstring Injuries in Football Players. Physiotherapia Croatica 2019;16 (suppl. 1), 43–46.
Projects
EU ERASMUS+ SPORT PROJECTS
PAINFREE
Project leader: Hrvoje Vlahović
Project associates: Jasna Lulić Drenjak, Verner Marijančić
Educational Prevention and Intervention Kit (EPIK)
Project leader at the institution: Hrvoje Vlahović
Project associates: Jasna Lulić Drenjak, Kata Ivanišević, Željko Jovanović
EU PROJECT
UHCE (Urban Health Centre Europe) – continuation of activities after project completion
Students organise and conduct regular exercise programmes for elderly people for fall preventionProject leader: Lovorka Bilajac
Project associates: Kristijan Zulle
UNIRI PROJECTS
UNICLASS A3 Practical Competences for the Future – Development of Key Physiotherapy Competences of Undergraduate Students in Nursing Homes
Project leader: Mirela Vučković
Project associates: Verner Marijančić
PROJECTS IN COOPERATION WITH THE CITY OF RIJEKA
Students in Organised Sports Competitions (SUPORT)
Project leader: Hrvoje Vlahović
Project associates: Kata Ivanišević
Exercise and Proper Nutrition in the Prevention of Diabetes and Bone Deficiency Diseases (in cooperation with the Faculty of Medicine)
Project associates: Jasna Lulić Drenjak, Gordana Starčević-Klasan
Rijeka – Healthy City
Head of thematic group “Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities”: Jasna Lulić Drenjak
PROJECTS IN COOPERATION WITH THE MUNICIPALITY OF KOSTRENA
Exercise and Proper Nutrition in the Prevention of Osteoporosis
Project leader: Gordana Starčević-Klasan
Project associate: Jasna Lulić Drenjak
Biomechanics Laboratory
Physiotherapy Assessment Laboratory
The Physiotherapy Assessment Laboratory is used for practical training in several undergraduate physiotherapy courses. Primarily for Physiotherapy Assessment, but also for Physiotherapy Skills, Physiotherapy in Sports Medicine, Clinical Kinesiology, and Biomechanics.
The laboratory is spread across two levels. The lower level is equipped with treatment tables (4 foldable, 1 fixed, and 2 height-adjustable electric tables) used for testing and practical exercises. It also contains equipment required for Physiotherapy Assessment exercises: various goniometers (two-arm and gravity-based), measuring tapes, scales, height meters, and dynamometers. Among the advanced equipment is a pedobarograph for gait analysis.
In addition to measurement equipment, the laboratory contains consumables used in skills and sports rehabilitation courses, such as massage oils, kinesiology tapes, bandaging materials, etc. The space is equipped with a computer and projector for teaching purposes.
The upper level is equipped with a computer, projector, desks, and chairs for theoretical teaching (seminars) for approximately 25 students. It also includes the Posturomed device with accompanying software, used for balance assessment and student research.
Equipment and Devices of the Faculty of Health Studies