Education research shows that healthcare professional training can be made more efficient and effective with the integration of simulation technology. Despite the relevance of this technology in the training of medical students, evidence on its effectiveness in physiotherapy manual skills training is limited.

To compare the effectiveness of real-object three dimensional (3D) produced by Photogrammetry versus two dimensional (2D) images for the introduction of manual therapy skills to undergraduate physiotherapy students, with a blended learning activity.

Using a randomised controlled trial design, first-year students enrolled in a 4-year bachelor with honours physiotherapy degree, participated in a 2-hour blended learning session. Three manual assessment techniques were presented - cervical compression, distraction and flexion-rotation tests. The techniques were demonstrated through two sets of learning materials with either real-object rotatable 3D images using Close-range Photogrammetry (experimental group) or traditional 2D computer images (control group). Students were examined after the training using an objective structured clinical evaluation (OSCE) procedure. The OSCE required the participants to demonstrate the three techniques learnt with the assessment criteria as therapist's position and skills, patient's position and overall management of the physical examination. The score of the standardized 9 item-practical performance test, with a maximum score of 54, was used as the primary outcome measure for analyses.

Inclusion Criteria:

Physiotherapy students with no experience in spinal assessment

Exclusion Criteria:

People with unfavourable experience or responses to 360-degree video or VR/AR videos