Simulation of group-based sports physiotherapy session in physiotherapy students: A proposal study

Abstract

Introduction: To consolidate knowledge in university students, it is necessary to integrate theoretical learning with practical experience. Simulation is a practical learning tool that consists of recreating daily situations of professional practice so that the student can develop his/her practical skills as if he/she were in front of a real work scenario. Purpose: The aim of this proposal case study is to evaluate how a simulation of a group-based sports physiotherapy session can help fourth-year physiotherapy students to consolidate knowledge and gain in professional skills. Methods: Different simulation scenarios will be created for the fourth-year physiotherapy students of the subject "Physical conditioning applied to physiotherapy". For each simulation, a group of 3-4 students will act as physiotherapist, and the rest of the class, approximately 20 students, will act as musculoskeletal injured patients. The physiotherapists will have the task of monitoring a group-based physiotherapy session, focusing on topics related to sports physiotherapy, such as physical conditioning, injury prevention or functional recovery, The session will last 15 minutes. Students will be surveyed to know their opinion and if they consider that it has helped them to learn. Discussion: Simulation is considered a useful learning tool when working simultaneously on knowledge, skills and attitudes. In physiotherapy, when conducting group sessions with several patients, it is necessary, not only to have the knowledge of what you want to work on, but also to have skills and aptitudes to know how to manage the group and adapt to the demands and needs of each patient. Carrying out simulation environments with physiotherapy students can be useful in acquiring these skills, and therefore serve as an aid in the professional learning process. Thus, there is a need to perform this porposal study to verify the effects that could bring in "Physical conditioning applied to physiotherapy" students.