Abstract
Purpose: The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic challenged physical therapy students and faculty. The faculty at this institution implemented a modular curriculum progressing from in-person to remote learning to parallel a predicted autumn COVID-19 surge. This study compares the effect of varying educational models on physical therapy students’ physical activity and social isolation outcomes during their program’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We hypothesized that changes in students’ physical activity and social interaction would be observed throughout the semester as the curriculum became more distance based. Methods: This prospective cohort investigation of 42 students from a single physical therapy program was conducted from August through December of 2020. Students’ physical activity [International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)] and social isolation [Lubben Social Network Scale-6 (LSNS-6)] were assessed at four timepoints. Each timepoint included progressively less in-person interaction and more remote learning. Repeated-measures ANOVAs were performed for each measure, with associated post hoc timepoint comparisons. Results: Students’ IPAQ scores were significantly affected by time, F(2.54, 104.18) = 6.71, p = .001, ɷ2 = .19, as were their scores on the LSNS-6, F(2.48,101.48) = 4.09, p = .013, ɷ2 = .060. Conclusions: Statistical reductions in physical activity and social interactions were observed; however, on average the cohort did not drop below at-risk levels on either the IPAQ or LSNS-6. Faculty can rest assured that any curricular model will not adversely affect students; however, should be aware of the adverse effects observed in a minority of students who may be at increased risk.
Recommended Citation
Flowers DW, Bernard A, McCallister E, Sant LR. Physical Therapy Students Experience Reductions in Physical Activity and Social Interaction During Coronavirus-Related Curricular Changes: A Cohort Study. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2023 Jun 29;21(3), Article 22.
IRB Approval Letter
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Included in
Curriculum and Instruction Commons, Other Mental and Social Health Commons, Physical Therapy Commons