A model for teaching and learning spinal thrust manipulation and its effect on participant confidence in technique...

Area of Science:

• Physical Therapy
• Spinal Manipulation
• Medical Education

Background:

• High velocity thrust manipulation is evidence-based for lumbar conditions but underutilized by clinicians.
• Underutilization may stem from inadequate training at professional and post-professional levels.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate an active learning model's impact on physical therapy students' confidence in spinal thrust manipulation.
• To assess the implications for professional and post-professional training.

Main Methods:

• 15 Doctor of Physical Therapy students participated in an active learning session.
• A sequential partial task practice (SPTP) strategy was employed with varied partners.
• Confidence was measured via pre- and post-training surveys and interviews.

Main Results:

• Surveys showed increased participant confidence and improved perceptions of technique effectiveness and safety.
• Interviews indicated a strong preference for the SPTP strategy, which enhanced confidence.

Conclusions:

• The active learning model effectively improved psychomotor confidence in spinal thrust manipulation.
• This training method shows promise for increasing technique adoption in physical therapy education and practice.