• Lucente M
• Norkus S

• Open Access Document
• Physical Therapy Modalities / education
• Students, Chiropractic

Objective: Chiropractic students expressed a desire for more “hands-on” learning opportunities regarding physiotherapies. Outpatient clinic faculty reported dissatisfaction with student abilities in the delivery of both active and passive care modalities. A physiotherapy practice lab was designed to offer students a new learning opportunity.

Methods: The practice lab was made available to students early in the curriculum before entering outpatient clinic. Therapies and modalities practiced in the lab reflect those learned in active and passive care classes within the curriculum. Average practical examination scores in active and passive physiotherapy classes were analyzed both pre and post lab implementation.

Results: Positive student response was demonstrated by high usage rates of the lab, averaging over 700 student encounters per 10-week instructional term. Average practical examination scores increased by 8.92% and 3.73% for active and passive care classes, respectively. Outpatient clinic faculty have reported an increase of student abilities in the delivery of both active and passive physiotherapies.

Conclusion: The practice lab was created to improve chiropractic students’ usage, understanding, and skills regarding physiotherapies. Outcomes have been positive.

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