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Teaching Physiotherapy Students Physical Examination Skills by Using Photogrammetry: A Randomized Control Trial of 3-
Chi Ngai Lo1, Tarek Abdelkader, Yik Ming Choi
1From the Cluster of Health and Social Sciences (C.N.L., T.A., J.Y.M.C., A.J.G., B.T.C.S.), and Centre for Learning Environment and Assessment Development (K.S., G.A.C.C.), Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore.
Summary
3D photogrammetry images significantly improved physiotherapy students' manual therapy skills compared to traditional 2D images in an online course. This simulation technology enhances learning of cervical spine assessment techniques.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Physiotherapy Training
- Simulation Technology
Background:
- Healthcare professional training can be enhanced by simulation technology.
- Evidence on simulation effectiveness in physiotherapy manual skill training is limited.
- This study addresses the gap by comparing 3D photogrammetry and 2D images for physiotherapy students.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of 3D photogrammetry images versus traditional 2D images.
- To evaluate the introduction of manual therapy skills to undergraduate physiotherapy students.
- To assess learning outcomes in an online course setting.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving first-year physiotherapy students.
- Online course delivery of manual assessment skills (cervical compression, distraction, flexion-rotation tests).
- Comparison of learning materials: 3D photogrammetry images vs. 2D images; assessed via Objective Structured Clinical Evaluation and a practical performance test.
Main Results:
- Seventy-seven students participated (40 in the experimental group, 37 in the control).
- The experimental group (3D images) achieved a higher average Objective Structured Clinical Evaluation score (41.3/50) than the control group (2D images) (39.1/50).
- The difference in scores was statistically significant (P = 0.02).
Conclusions:
- Photogrammetry-generated 3D images are more effective than 2D images for teaching cervical spine assessment skills.
- This simulation approach benefits first-year physiotherapy students in online learning environments.
- 3D imaging technology shows promise for improving manual therapy skill acquisition.
