Physiotherapy Training Research Articles

Effects of Short-Term Dynamic Constant External Resistance Training and Subsequent Detraining on Strength of the Trained and Untrained Limbs: A Randomized Trial.

Short-term resistance training has been shown to increase isokinetic muscle strength and performance after only two to nine days of training. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of three days of unilateral dynamic constant external resistance (DCER) training and detraining on the strength of the trained and untrained legs. Nineteen men were randomly assigned to a DCER training group or a non-training control group. Subjects visited the laboratory eight times, the first visit was a familiarization session, the second visit was a pre-training assessment, the subsequent three visits were for training sessions (if assigned to the training group), and the last three visits were post-training assessments 1, 2, and 3 (i.e., 48 h, 1 week, and 2 weeks after the final training session). Strength increased in both trained and untrained limbs from pre- to post-training assessment 1 for the training group and remained elevated at post-training assessments 2 and 3 (p ≤ 0.05). No changes were observed in the control (p > 0.05). Possible strength gains from short-term resistance training have important implications in clinical rehabilitation settings, sports injury prevention, as well as other allied health fields such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and athletic training.

Aerosol delivery practice in Italian Cystic Fibrosis centres: a national survey.

BackgroundPhysiotherapists (PTs) are ideally positioned to assist patients and families with inhalation therapies through monitoring, communication and education about available therapies and their proper use; indeed aerosoltherapy management is listed as part of Italian PTs' core competence and in the core syllabus for post-graduate training in respiratory physiotherapy. The aim of this study was to outline the involvement of Italian PTs working in Cystic Fibrosis (CF) centres in the aerosol delivery practice.MethodsPhysiotherapist coordinators (n = 29) of all Italian CF centres were invited to participate in a cross-sectional survey and a semi-structured questionnaire was developed and sent by e-mail.ResultsA response rate of 69 % was achieved. The majority of participants were woman and the overall mean professional experience was twenty years. Italian PTs are involved in the aerosol delivery practice, managing education, drug-device combination, dilution and mixing of drugs.ConclusionsPhysiotherapists play a key role in the care of Italian CF patients; nevertheless the Italian Group of Physiotherapists might plan interventions to harmonize the aerosol delivery practice in Italian CF centres and to sustain continuing education.

Application of the Blobo bluetooth ball in wrist rehabilitation training.

[Purpose] The introduction of emerging technologies such as the wireless Blobo bluetooth ball with multimedia features can enhance wrist physical therapy training, making it more fun and enhancing its effects. [Methods] Wrist injuries caused by fatigue at work, improper exercise, and other conditions are very common. Therefore, the reconstruction of wrist joint function is an important issue. The efficacy of a newly developed integrated wrist joint rehabilitation game using a Blobo bluetooth ball with C# software installed was tested in wrist rehabilitation (Flexion, Extension, Ulnar Deviation, Radial Deviation). [Results] Eight subjects with normal wrist function participated in a test of the system’s stability and repeatability. After performing the Blobo bluetooth ball wrist physical therapy training, eight patients with wrist dysfunction experienced approximately 10° improvements in range of motion (ROM) of flexion extension, and ulnar deviation and about 6° ROM improvement in radial deviation. The subjects showed progress in important indicators of wrist function. [Conclusion] This study used the Blobo bluetooth ball in wrist physical therapy training and the preliminary results were encouraging. In the future, more diverse wrist or limb rehabilitation games should be developed to meet the needs of physical therapy training.

Calculation of Minimal Detectable Change of Construct Subscales of a Cultural Competence Instrument

Introduction. Physical therapist (PT) and athletic training education programs are among the health professions programs that include cultural competency components to prepare students for practice in a diverse society and to meet accreditation requirements. The Inventory for Assessing the Process of Cultural Competence Among Healthcare Professionals-Student Version (IAPCC-SV©) is an instrument frequently used to assess cultural competency. The purpose of this study is to calculate the minimal detectable change (MDC) of the tool and each of the 5 construct subscales. Subjects. Seventy-nine Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and undergraduate athletic training and rehabilitation science (ATHP) students completed the IAPCCSV ©. Methods. The IAPCC-SV© was administered to 79 students in Fall 2014, and 52 students completed a retest 1 week later. Test-retest reliability and MDC for the IAPCC-SV© scale and subscales were calculated. Results. For the combined DPT and ATHP groups, the MDC95 of the entire tool was 4.1, internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) was .861, and overall testretest reliability was .938. The MDC95 of the individual subscales are as follows: cultural awareness = 1.34, knowledge = 2.02, skill = 1.52, encounters = 1.61, and desire = 1.17. The range of subscale internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) was .431 to .798, while the range of test-retest reliabilities was .766 to .936. Discussion and Conclusion. The current results provide MDC values of the IAPCC-SV© in 2 additional student groups. The MDC of the cultural knowledge and cultural desire construct subscales can be used to interpret changes in their respective domains of the IAPCCSV © after an educational intervention.

Testing the feasibility and safety of the Nintendo Wii gaming console in orthopedic rehabilitation: a pilot randomized controlled study.

IntroductionThe Nintendo Wii game console is already used as an additional training device for e.g. neurological wards. Still there are limited data available regarding orthopedic rehabilitation. The authors’ objective was to examine whether the Nintendo Wii is an appropriate and safe tool in rehabilitation after orthopedic knee surgery.Material and methodsA prospective, randomized, controlled study comparing standard physiotherapy vs. standard physiotherapy plus game console training (Wii group) in patients having anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair or knee arthroplasty was conducted. The subjects of the Wii group (n = 17; mean age: 54 ±19 years) performed simple knee exercises daily under the supervision of a physiotherapist in addition to the normal rehabilitation program. The patients of the control group (n = 13; 52 ±18 years) were treated with physiotherapy only. The participants of both groups completed a questionnaire including the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, the Modified Cincinnati Rating System and the Tegner Lysholm Knee Score prior to the operation, before discharge from hospital and four weeks after treatment.ResultsThere was no significant difference in the score results between the Wii and the control group (p > 0.05).ConclusionsWe demonstrated that physiotherapy using the Nintendo Wii gaming console after ACL reconstruction and knee arthroplasty does not negatively influence outcome. Because training with the Wii device was highly accepted by patients, we see an opportunity whereby additional training with a gaming console for a longer period of time could lead to even better results, regarding the training motivation and the outcome after orthopedic surgery.

CLINICAL RECOMMENDATION TO THE DIAGNOSTICS AND TREATMENT OF HYPOPHOSPHATASIA IN CHILDREN

научный биометрический журнал, который знакомит читателя с клиническими рекомендациями и особенностями применения лекарственных и вакцинных средств у детей, предоставляет исчерпывающую информацию о воздействии лекарственных средств на плод, о проводимых в

Systematic Review of Rehabilitation in Multiple Sclerosis

To examine the data on the use of comprehensive multidisciplinary rehabilitation to improve functions, minimize disability, or improve quality of life, researchers conducted a systematic review. In addition, supervised physical therapy or physical training programs were evaluated to determine their benefit and to identify the most effective techniques. Energy-conservation techniques, specialty devices, and educational programs were also assessed. The authors' main conclusions were as follows:

Multidisciplinary rehabilitation program: effects of a multimodal intervention for patients with Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive impairment without dementia

Background Non-pharmalogical interventions represent an important complement to standard pharmalogical treatment in dementia. Objective This study aims to evaluate the effects of a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program on cognitive ability, quality of life and depression symptoms in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and cognitive impairment without dementia (CIND). Methods Ninety-seven older adults were recruited to the present study. Of these, 70 patients had mild AD and were allocated into experimental (n = 54) or control (n = 16) groups. Two additional active comparison groups were constituted with patients with moderate AD (n = 13) or with CIND (n = 14) who also received the intervention. The multidisciplinary rehabilitation program lasted for 12 weeks and was composed by sessions of memory training, recreational activities, verbal expression and writing, physical therapy and physical training, delivered in two weekly 6-hour sessions. Results As compared to controls, mild AD patients who received the intervention had improvements in cognition (p = 0.021) and quality of life (p = 0.003), along with a reduction in depressive symptoms (p < 0.001). As compared to baseline, CIND patients displayed at the end of the intervention improvements in cognition (p = 0.005) and depressive symptoms (p = 0.011). No such benefits were found among patients with moderate AD.Discussion: This multidisciplinary rehabilitation program was beneficial for patients with mild AD and CIND. However, patients with moderate dementia did not benefit from the intervention.

Self-Reported Injury and Management in a Liberal Arts College Dance Department.

Dancers often view injuries as a necessary sacrifice for participating in their art form. The purpose of this research was to determine the frequency and patterns of injury in a non-conservatory, liberal arts dance environment. These data may enable dance departments to provide more effective health resources. Dancers registered in technique courses in a liberal arts dance department (including ballet, modern, tap, and jazz) completed an injury questionnaire immediately following the occurrence of any dance-related injury over the course of one semester. Out of 168 students registered in the department, 46 injuries were reported throughout the semester. The greatest rate of injury was in September and December with 0.95 and 0.65 injuries reported per day, respectively. 89.1% of participants indicated that they would use a direct-access, on-campus physical therapist or athletic trainer if available, though 45.7% of injured participants indicated that they would seek treatment off campus. Dancers in a liberal arts collegiate program may train at a higher intensity during the semester than summer break, which likely accounts for the high incidence of injury in September. Of those injured, most planned on self-treating, but none planned on missing class. Pre-semester screening and post-semester cross-training education should be implemented in liberal arts dance programs to help decrease the rate of injury seen when returning to dance following prolonged time off from dancing. Additionally, direct access to physical therapy or athletic training treatment would likely be utilized by these students if available.

The LIPPSMAck POP (Lung Infection Prevention Post Surgery - Major Abdominal - with Pre-Operative Physiotherapy) trial: study protocol for a multi-centre randomised controlled trial.

BackgroundPost-operative pulmonary complications are a significant problem following open upper abdominal surgery. Preliminary evidence suggests that a single pre-operative physiotherapy education and preparatory lung expansion training session alone may prevent respiratory complications more effectively than supervised post-operative breathing and coughing exercises. However, the evidence is inconclusive due to methodological limitations. No well-designed, adequately powered, randomised controlled trial has investigated the effect of pre-operative education and training on post-operative respiratory complications, hospital length of stay, and health-related quality of life following upper abdominal surgery.Methods/designThe Lung Infection Prevention Post Surgery - Major Abdominal- with Pre-Operative Physiotherapy (LIPPSMAck POP) trial is a pragmatic, investigator-initiated, bi-national, multi-centre, patient- and assessor-blinded, parallel group, randomised controlled trial, powered for superiority. Four hundred and forty-one patients scheduled for elective open upper abdominal surgery at two Australian and one New Zealand hospital will be randomised using concealed allocation to receive either i) an information booklet or ii) an information booklet, plus one additional pre-operative physiotherapy education and training session. The primary outcome is respiratory complication incidence using standardised diagnostic criteria. Secondary outcomes include hospital length of stay and costs, pneumonia diagnosis, intensive care unit readmission and length of stay, days/h to mobilise >1 min and >10 min, and, at 6 weeks post-surgery, patient reported complications, health-related quality of life, and physical capacity.DiscussionThe LIPPSMAck POP trial is a multi-centre randomised controlled trial powered and designed to investigate whether a single pre-operative physiotherapy session prevents post-operative respiratory complications. This trial standardises post-operative assisted ambulation and physiotherapy, measures many known confounders, and includes a post-discharge follow-up of complication rates, functional capacity, and health-related quality of life. This trial is currently recruiting.Trial registrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry number: ACTRN12613000664741, 19 June 2013.

Enhanced Patient-Centred Care: Physiotherapists' Perspectives on the Impact of International Clinical Internships on Canadian Practice.

To explore the perspectives of physiotherapists who participated in an international clinical internship (ICI) in low- or middle-income countries (LMICs) during their physiotherapy (PT) training in a Canadian PT programme regarding the ICI's impact on their PT practice in Canada. This qualitative descriptive study used in-depth semi-structured interviews. Data were organized using NVivo; inductive and deductive coding were used to analyze data and develop broader themes. The 13 practising Canadian physiotherapists interviewed described three enhanced capacities: (1) critical reflection on culture, values and practice; (2) communication skills; and (3) creativity and resourcefulness. These capacities were perceived to transfer to Canadian practice by enhancing participants' ability to deliver patient-centred care, specifically through an enhanced understanding of patients' values and social determinants of health, regardless of the Canadian setting or patient population. For PT students considering an ICI, the study findings provide insight into the perceived impact of ICIs on Canadian practice. For PT academic programmes, the findings can guide decisions on the extent of investment in ICIs as learning opportunities that will enhance practice in Canada.

Conflicting results of robot-assisted versus usual gait training during postacute rehabilitation of stroke patients: a randomized clinical trial.

Robot gait training has the potential to increase the effectiveness of walking therapy. Clinical outcomes after robotic training are often not superior to conventional therapy. We evaluated the effectiveness of a robot training compared with a usual gait training physiotherapy during a standardized rehabilitation protocol in inpatient participants with poststroke hemiparesis. This was a randomized double-blind clinical trial in a postacute physical and rehabilitation medicine hospital. Twenty-eight patients, 39.3% women (72±6 years), with hemiparesis (<6 months after stroke) receiving a conventional treatment according to the Bobath approach were assigned randomly to an experimental or a control intervention of robot gait training to improve walking (five sessions a week for 5 weeks). Outcome measures included the 6-min walk test, the 10 m walk test, Functional Independence Measure, SF-36 physical functioning and the Tinetti scale. Outcomes were collected at baseline, immediately following the intervention period and 3 months following the end of the intervention. The experimental group showed a significant increase in functional independence and gait speed (10 m walk test) at the end of the treatment and follow-up, higher than the minimal detectable change. The control group showed a significant increase in the gait endurance (6-min walk test) at the follow-up, higher than the minimal detectable change. Both treatments were effective in the improvement of gait performances, although the statistical analysis of functional independence showed a significant improvement in the experimental group, indicating possible advantages during generic activities of daily living compared with overground treatment.

Brief psychologically informed physiotherapy training is associated with changes in physiotherapists' attitudes and beliefs towards working with people with chronic pain.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of a brief psychologically informed physiotherapy training (PIPT) course on physiotherapists' attitudes and beliefs towards working with people with chronic pain. Specifically, the training aimed to help the participants better recognise the role of psychosocial factors in chronic pain and to better target the key processes of the psychological flexibility (PF) model in their treatment interactions. A total of 26 physiotherapists working in an outpatient musculoskeletal (MSK) department participated in the 7-hour training session. A total of 25 participants completed self-report questionnaires on attitudes and beliefs, burnout and PF-relevant processes pre- and post-training. The pre- and post-measures were completed on the day of training. PIPT was associated with significant changes in the expected direction in physiotherapists' attitudes towards treatment of people with chronic pain, including a moderate effect size on the Health Care Provider-Pain and Impairment Relationship Scale (HC-PAIRS) (decreased biomedical scores) and a large effect size on the Pain Attitudes and Beliefs Scale for Physiotherapists (PABS-PT) (increased biopsychosocial scores and decreased biomedical scores). In conclusion, brief PIPT could help physiotherapists working in non-specialist centres with complex patients, many of whom present with significant emotional distress and pain-related disability. Further research is required to determine whether the changes in attitudes detected in this study translate into clinical practice and whether changes are maintained over a follow-up period.

Treadmill training for patients with Parkinson's disease

Treadmill training is used in rehabilitation and is described as improving gait parameters of patients with Parkinson's disease. To assess the effectiveness of treadmill training in improving the gait of patients with Parkinson's disease and the acceptability and safety of this type of therapy. We searched the Cochrane Movement Disorders Group Specialised Register (see Review Group details for more information) (last searched September 2014), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library 2014, Issue 10), MEDLINE (1950 to September 2014), and EMBASE (1980 to September 2014). We also handsearched relevant conference proceedings, searched trials and research registers, and checked reference lists (last searched September 2014). We contacted trialists, experts and researchers in the field and manufacturers of commercial devices. We included randomised controlled trials comparing treadmill training with no treadmill training in patients with Parkinson's disease. Two review authors independently selected trials for inclusion, assessed trial quality and extracted data. We contacted the trialists for additional information. We analysed the results as mean differences (MDs) for continuous variables and relative risk differences (RD) for dichotomous variables. We included 18 trials (633 participants) in this update of this review. Treadmill training improved gait speed (MD = 0.09 m/s; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.03 to 0.14; P = 0.001; I(2) = 24%; moderate quality of evidence), stride length (MD = 0.05 metres; 95% CI 0.01 to 0.09; P = 0.01; I(2) = 0%; low quality of evidence), but walking distance (MD = 48.9 metres; 95% CI -1.32 to 99.14; P = 0.06; I(2) = 91%; very low quality of evidence) and cadence did not improve (MD = 2.16 steps/minute; 95% CI -0.13 to 4.46; P = 0.07; I(2) = 28%; low quality of evidence) at the end of study. Treadmill training did not increase the risk of patients dropping out from intervention (RD = -0.02; 95% CI -0.06 to 0.02; P = 0.32; I(2) = 13%; moderate quality of evidence). Adverse events were not reported in included studies. This update of our systematic review provides evidence from eighteen trials with moderate to low risk of bias that the use of treadmill training in patients with PD may improve clinically relevant gait parameters such as gait speed and stride length (moderate and low quality of evidence, respectively). This apparent benefit for patients is, however, not supported by all secondary variables (e.g. cadence and walking distance). Comparing physiotherapy and treadmill training against other alternatives in the treatment of gait hypokinesia such as physiotherapy without treadmill training this type of therapy seems to be more beneficial in practice without increased risk. The gain seems small to moderate clinically relevant. However, the results must be interpreted with caution because it is not known how long these improvements may last and some studies used no intervention in the control group and underlie some risk of bias. Additionally the results were heterogenous and we found variations between the trials in patient characteristics, the duration and amount of training, and types of treadmill training applied.

Reliability and Responsiveness of the Korean Version of the Trunk Impairment Scale for Stroke Patients

Purpose: The purposes of this study were to develop the Korean version of the trunk impairment scale (K-TIS) and to examine reliability and responsiveness of the K-TIS in patients with stroke. Methods Subjects of the study were 51 stroke patients (mean age: 57.78 years) recruited from two stroke clinics. For the interrater and test-retest reliability, two raters measured the K-TIS two times using video clips with an interval of 2 weeks. For the responsiveness, in tensive physical therapy training was provided to all participants 2 times a day for one month or three months depending on the onset of the stroke and the admission rules of the two clinics. Inter-rater reliability and test-retest reliability of the K-TIS three subscales (static sitting balance, dynamic sitting balance, and coordination) scores and total scores were examined using intra-correlation coefficient (ICC3,1) and Pearson`s correlation coefficient (r). To examine responsiveness, the minimally important difference (MID) was calculated with effect size. Results: Inter-rater reliability of the K-TIS subscales and total scores were all high (ICC3,1=0.920-0.983 and r=0.924-0.984). For the test-retest reliability, ICC3,1=0.805-0.901 and r=0.806-0.903, and the MID for acute and post-acute as well as chronic stroke patients remained in the mean change range. Conclusion: It is suggested that the K-TIS might be used for clinical and research purposes as a standardized tool for stroke patients. In addition, it can also be useful in establishment of treatment goal(s) and planning treatment program(s) for patients with stroke.

Treadmill training for patients with Parkinson's disease.

Treadmill training is used in rehabilitation and is described as improving gait parameters of patients with Parkinson's disease. To assess the effectiveness of treadmill training in improving the gait of patients with Parkinson's disease and the acceptability and safety of this type of therapy. We searched the Cochrane Movement Disorders Group Specialised Register (see Review Group details for more information) (last searched September 2014), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library 2014, Issue 10), MEDLINE (1950 to September 2014), and EMBASE (1980 to September 2014). We also handsearched relevant conference proceedings, searched trials and research registers, and checked reference lists (last searched September 2014). We contacted trialists, experts and researchers in the field and manufacturers of commercial devices. We included randomised controlled trials comparing treadmill training with no treadmill training in patients with Parkinson's disease. Two review authors independently selected trials for inclusion, assessed trial quality and extracted data. We contacted the trialists for additional information. We analysed the results as mean differences (MDs) for continuous variables and relative risk differences (RD) for dichotomous variables. We included 18 trials (6 3 3 participants) in this update of this review. Treadmill training improved gait speed (MD = 0.09 m/s; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.03 to 0.14; P = 0.001; I(2) = 24%; m oderate quality of evidence), stride length (MD = 0.05 metres; 95% CI 0.01 to 0.09; P = 0.01; I(2) = 0%; l ow quality of e vidence), but walking distance (MD = 48.9 metres; 95% CI -1.32 to 99.14; P = 0.06; I(2) = 91%; very low quality of evidence) and cadence did not improve (MD = 2.16 steps/minute; 95% CI -0.13 to 4.46; P = 0.07; I(2) = 28%; low quality of evidence) at the end of study. Treadmill training did not increase the risk of patients dropping out from intervention (RD = -0.02; 95% CI -0.06 to 0.02; P = 0.32; I(2) = 1 3%; m oderate quality of evidence). Adverse events were not reported in included studies. This update of our systematic review provides evidence from e ighteen trials with moderate to l ow risk of bias that the use of treadmill training in patients with PD may improve clinically relevant gait parameters such as gait speed and stride length (m oderate and low quality of evidence, respectively) . This apparent benefit for patients is, however, not supported by all secondary variables (e.g. cadence and walking distance ). Comparing physiotherapy and treadmill training against other alternatives in the treatment of gait hypokinesia such as physiotherapy without treadmill training this type of therapy seems to be more beneficial in practice without increased risk. The gain seems small to moderate clinically relevant . However, the results must be interpreted with caution because it is not known how long these improvements may last and some s tudies used no intervention in the control group and underlie some risk of bias . Additionally the results were heterogenous and we found variations between the trials in patient characteristics, the duration and amount of training, and types of treadmill training applied.

Balance improvement after physical therapy training using specially developed serious games for cerebral palsy children: preliminary results

Purpose: Cerebral palsy (CP) leads to various clinical signs mainly induced by muscle spasticity and muscle weakness. Among these ones impaired balance and posture are very common. Traditional physical therapy exercise programs are focusing on this aspect, but it is difficult to motivate patients to regularly perform these exercises, especially at home without therapist supervision. Specially developed serious games (SG) could therefore be an interesting option to motivate children to perform specific exercise for balance improvement. Method: Ten CP children participated in this study. Patients received four sessions of SG included into conventional therapy (1 session of 30 min a week during 4 weeks). Trunk control and balance were assessed using Trunk Control Motor Scale (TCMS) before and after interventions. Results: Children presented a significant improvement in TCMS global score after interventions [37.6 (8.7) and 39.6 (9.5) before and after interventions, respectively, p = 0.04]. Conclusion: SG could therefore be an interesting option to integrate in the conventional treatment of CP children.Implication for RehabilitationCerebral palsy (CP) leads to balance issues.Rehabilitation exercises are not performed (enough) at home.Serious games (SG) could increase patients’ motivation.SG increase balance control of CP children.

Integrity

Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training, Doisy College of Health Sciences, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO Correspondence: Ethel Frese, PT, DPT, MHS, CCS, Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training, Doisy College of Health Sciences, Saint Louis University, 3437 Caroline St, St. Louis, MO 63104 ([email protected]). This lecture was presented at the 2015 Combined Sections Meeting of the APTA. In addressing the topic, the speaker focuses on the importance of integrity throughout all aspects of the physical therapy profession as the central value for all we do. The author declares no conflict of interest.

Physiotherapy training in the context of traditional Chinese medicine. A case study

Background: Outside of large cities in China, physiotherapy may not exist as a unique profession. Instead rehabilitation therapists employ a mixture of physiotherapy and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) methods in their practice. Training of rehabilitation therapists in China is often based on TCM with the addition of a “western” rehabilitation component. Physiotherapists trained outside of China are welcomed into local hospitals to help provide training for their rehabilitation therapists.

Developing healthcare leaders for the 21st century: understanding and maximising leadership in pre-registration healthcare curricula in the West Midlands, UK

Results: Means for the three practical tests were 14.21 (test 1), 16.02 (test 2) and 16.42 (test 3). ANOVA demonstrated an F value of 36 where F critical was 3 with p-value < 0.05. Significant differences were also found between test 1 and test 2 samples and between test 1 to test 3. A response rate of 50% was achieved for the survey. The results suggest students find hands on practical experiences and peer collaborative activities more valuable to their learning than lectures or workshops. Conclusion(s): The model of skill development provided a framework for evidence-based learning and teaching approaches to be designed and implemented in a skillsfocused physiotherapy subject. Students valued the more active learning experiences that the model facilitates. Implications: By promoting evidence-based strategies, the skill development model has potential to facilitate the learning of skills in a range of physiotherapy training contexts.