Using 3Dimensional Teaching in Biomechanics for Physiotherapy Education at Ahfad University for Women, Sudan.

Abstract

Introduction: While many teaching strategies have been used within healthcare-related coursework, there is a lack of literature in physiotherapy education describing the use of 3Dimensional learning method for teaching biomechanical concepts of the knee joint. Among difficult concepts that may benefit from alternative teaching strategies is the knee joint which is the main lower limb motor joint, and the most vulnerable and susceptible joint to injury. 

Methods: Randomized Control Trial (RCT) study design was conducted among 3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th-year physiotherapy students from Ahfad University for Women (AUW). The sample included 74 students of all three years; 35 students in the control group, 39 students in the experimental group. The Control group underwent the traditional way (normal lectures by PowerPoint including 2Dimensional images) of learning knee joint biomechanics, while the experimental group has undergone the 3Dimensional learning method using 3Dimensional knee joint model. Knowledge on biomechanics for both experimental and control groups was assessed using a test and satisfaction towards the 3Dimensional learning method among experimental group was determined using a questionnaire.

Results: The results revealed that students in the experimental group scored higher marks compared to students in the control group (37 students (61.6%), 23 students (38.4%) respectively) with a significant association between tests scores and group (P = 0.001).

Conclusion: the study concluded that using the 3dimensional knee joint model as a teaching aid has improved biomechanical knowledge for Undergraduate Physiotherapy Students at AUW.