Spatial Visualisations for Physiotherapy Training Using Volumetric Capture and Virtual Reality
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| Title: | Spatial Visualisations for Physiotherapy Training Using Volumetric Capture and Virtual Reality |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Juan M. Pieschacon (ORCID |
| Source: | Journal of Computer Assisted Learning. 2025 41(6). |
| Availability: | Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 18 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Spatial Ability, Visualization, Physical Therapy, Training, Allied Health Occupations Education, Computer Simulation, Distance Education, Video Technology, Technology Uses in Education, Undergraduate Students |
| DOI: | 10.1111/jcal.70152 |
| ISSN: | 0266-4909 1365-2729 |
| Abstract: | Background: Physiotherapy education traditionally relies on face-to-face instruction for teaching complex manual therapy techniques. Current remote teaching methods struggle to convey spatial aspects of physical techniques, limiting their effectiveness for practical skills training. Few examples were found of immersive training systems for physiotherapy. Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of spatial visualisations using volumetric video capture and VR compared to traditional video methods for physiotherapy physical skills training. Methods: Twenty-two first-year physiotherapy students participated in a comparative study between traditional video and volumetric VR training methods. 3D content was created using an in-house volumetric capture studio and imported into a virtual environment. After training, participants were assessed on technique performance, system usability, cognitive load and user experience. Results and Conclusions: Both training approaches resulted in equivalent performance scores and high usability ratings. While overall cognitive load showed no significant differences between conditions, exploratory analysis of individual questions suggests potential advantages in cognitive load consistency between training and evaluation phases for volumetric training. Participants valued the spatial visualisation capabilities, though current technical limitations in volumetric capture quality were noted. These findings highlight the potential of volumetric capture for physiotherapy training, particularly when requiring spatial understanding, though improvements in capture technology are needed for widespread adoption. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2025 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1489818 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Background: Physiotherapy education traditionally relies on face-to-face instruction for teaching complex manual therapy techniques. Current remote teaching methods struggle to convey spatial aspects of physical techniques, limiting their effectiveness for practical skills training. Few examples were found of immersive training systems for physiotherapy. Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of spatial visualisations using volumetric video capture and VR compared to traditional video methods for physiotherapy physical skills training. Methods: Twenty-two first-year physiotherapy students participated in a comparative study between traditional video and volumetric VR training methods. 3D content was created using an in-house volumetric capture studio and imported into a virtual environment. After training, participants were assessed on technique performance, system usability, cognitive load and user experience. Results and Conclusions: Both training approaches resulted in equivalent performance scores and high usability ratings. While overall cognitive load showed no significant differences between conditions, exploratory analysis of individual questions suggests potential advantages in cognitive load consistency between training and evaluation phases for volumetric training. Participants valued the spatial visualisation capabilities, though current technical limitations in volumetric capture quality were noted. These findings highlight the potential of volumetric capture for physiotherapy training, particularly when requiring spatial understanding, though improvements in capture technology are needed for widespread adoption. |
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| ISSN: | 0266-4909 1365-2729 |
| DOI: | 10.1111/jcal.70152 |
