Evaluation of e-learning as an adjunctive method for the acquisition of skills in bony landmark palpation and muscular ultrasound examination in the lumbopelvic region: a controlled study

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether the acquisition of competence in palpation and ultrasound imaging in the lumbopelvic region can be improved by the use of e-learning strategies.

Methods: This study was a single-blind randomized controlled study. Forty-four physical therapy undergraduate students (29 females) from the University of Granada (Spain) received an educational module of on-campus training in palpation and ultrasound examination of the lumbopelvic area. The participants were randomly distributed into 2 groups: the e-learning group, with free access to a Web site on musculoskeletal palpation and ultrasound assessment, and the control group, with access to documents and books on the topic. Objective structured clinical evaluation and reproducibility between professorial staff and students in multifidus cross-sectional area ultrasound imaging were used to assess the educational intervention.

Results: Objective structured clinical evaluation scores were statistically significantly higher in the e-learning group than in the control group for skills in palpation ability and ultrasound assessment of the lumbopelvic area (both P < .001).

Conclusion: This study suggests that e-learning may be an adjunct educational strategy to acquire musculoskeletal manual skills and ultrasound imaging of the lumbopelvic area.