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Use of ChatGPT in physical therapy education: Comparative study of usefulness to students and ease of use
Salwa B El-Sobkey1,2, Mahmoud ElKholy1, Mariam Abdallah1
1Faculty of Physical Therapy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt.
Objective:
To compare ChatGPT's perceived usefulness (PU) and perceived ease of use (PEU) between users and non-users among undergraduate physical therapy (PT) students, and to describe their usage patterns.
Methods:
A comparative cross-sectional survey was conducted based on the technology acceptance model among PT students at Beni-Suef University, Egypt, during the academic year of 2024-2025. Eligible students completed a self-administered questionnaire to assess demographic and academic variables, PU, PEU, and ChatGPT utilization patterns. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, chi-square tests, and bivariate correlations. A P-value <0.05 was considered to indicate a statistically significant difference.
Results:
Among 475 respondents, 56.8 % (n = 270) were ChatGPT users. The mean age was 20.8 ± 1.46 years and 52.6 % were females. Users had significantly higher cumulative grade point average (CGPA) scores than non-users (3.4 ± 0.38 vs 3.2 ± 0.52; p = 0.002) and were mostly in higher academic levels (p = 0.0001). Users reported significantly greater PU and PEU scores across all items (p ≤ 0.005), and overall scores. The highest-rated PU item was "Using ChatGPT helps me complete tasks more quickly" (mean = 3.9 ± 1.09). PU and PEU were positively correlated (r = 0.63, p = 0.0001). PEU was positively correlated with both CGPA and duration of ChatGPT use. Utilization was predominantly for theoretical courses and simple cognitive tasks, such as explaining topics and acquiring knowledge.
Conclusion:
ChatGPT users perceived it as significantly more useful and easier to use than non-users. Academic characteristics influenced these perceptions rather than personal factors. Despite early adoption, use by PT students remains basic, highlighting the need for structured AI training in PT education.
