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Thrust joint manipulation curricula in first-professional physical therapy education: 2012 update
J Timothy Noteboom1, Christian Little, William Boissonnault
1School of Physical Therapy, Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professions, Regis University, Denver, CO.
Most physical therapy programs integrate thrust joint manipulation (TJM) into curricula, with faculty viewing it as an entry-level skill. Enhancing clinical affiliations and lab hours could further improve student TJM competency.
Area of Science:
- Physical Therapy Education
- Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation
- Manual Therapy Techniques
Background:
- Previous surveys indicated variability in thrust joint manipulation (TJM) curriculum integration.
- Updated educational standards and resources for TJM have been developed since 2004.
- The current extent of TJM integration into physical therapy programs remained unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the integration level of thrust joint manipulation (TJM) in physical therapy curricula.
- To assess faculty perceptions regarding TJM as an entry-level skill.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive online observational survey was conducted.
- 35-item anonymous electronic surveys were distributed to faculty at 205 accredited physical therapy programs in 2012.
Main Results:
- 99% of responding programs teach TJM, with 97% of faculty considering it an entry-level skill.
- Cervical spine TJM is taught less frequently than for other body regions.
- Faculty reported high student competency levels upon graduation, with a desire for increased clinical and lab-based TJM training.
Conclusions:
- Thrust joint manipulation (TJM) utilization and faculty perceptions have evolved in US physical therapy programs over the last decade.
- TJM content is increasingly integrated into educational curricula.
- Future efforts should focus on refining teaching strategies to enhance student learning outcomes in TJM.
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