Integrating digital resources and laboratory-based learning in undergraduate physiotherapy education: a repeated cross-sectional study.
Resumo
Background: Physiotherapy education combines theoretical instruction with practical training, and evidence supports the integration of digital learning and laboratory-based experiences. The flipped classroom has gained prominence in health professions education, demonstrating positive effects on student engagement and academic outcomes. However, little is known about the integration of this methodology within motion analysis laboratories in physiotherapy curricula. Objective: To evaluate the implementation of an educational innovation project integrating digital resources, flipped classroom methodology, and laboratory-based gait analysis sessions within a fourth-year physiotherapy course. Methods: A longitudinal observational study was conducted with physiotherapy students at Rey Juan Carlos University (Spain) between 2020–2021 and 2024–2025. The intervention included digital learning resources (podcasts and videos), flipped classroom seminars, and a gait analysis workshop using a motion capture system. Academic performance was assessed through multiple-choice examinations. Student satisfaction with digital resources, methodology, and practical seminars was evaluated using Likert-type questionnaires. Welch’s ANOVA was used to compare cohorts. Results: A total of 549 students were included in the performance analysis and 188 in the satisfaction survey. Academic outcomes improved during the years in which the project was implemented, with increased rates of distinction and outstanding grades and reduced fail rates. The year without the intervention showed the poorest performance. Student satisfaction was high, with strong ratings for methodology, teaching staff, facilities, and seminar usefulness. Podcasts and the laboratory seminar received excellent evaluations. Conclusions: The integration of digital tools, flipped classroom strategies, and laboratory-based learning enhances student satisfaction and academic performance in physiotherapy education, strengthening the link between theory and clinical practice.
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Referências
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