Analysis of Joint Dysfunction During an Aging- Simulation, Laboratory Exercise for Allied Health Students

The aim of this experiment was to (1) develop and assess a joint-dysfunction simulation learning and sensitization activity for a Human Anatomy and Physiology I lab on joint structure and function (Part A) and (2) quantify the range of motion experienced during the simulation (Part B). The lab protocol allowed 318 allied health students to experience some of the physical limitations of aging, specifically arthritis, by asking them to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) while wearing simulation equipment that inhibited their range of movement. In Part A, students completed a pre- simulation survey, which assessed the students\u27 knowledge about the elderly and arthritis. Most of the students (74.8%) responded that they do have family members who have experienced joint pain or immobility, and 145 students disagreed when asked if arthritis is a problem only experienced by the elderly. When asked if older people become more confused, 118 students agreed, and then if older people don\u27t contribute much to society, 154 students strongly disagreed. The majority of the students felt comfortable with the elderly and had positive thoughts about them. For the acts of daily living, students completed four simple tasks with and without taped hands, designed to simulate arthritis. For each task, time to completion significantly increased (p\u3c0.001) with the addition of tape. Students then completed a post-simulation survey, which assessed the success of the simulation. When asked if they experienced difficulty with the task with the addition of tape, most students agreed that it was more difficult with the tape, which suggests the tape was an effective method to simulate arthritis. Almost all of the students agreed that the simulation was interesting, which promotes the idea of future research. In part B, 21 volunteers completed the same ADLs while wearing an electronic, finger goniometer. This device electronically measured subject\u27s degree of mobility while completing ADLs, with no constrictions and then once again with the addition of tape. Flexion and extension were observed and the change in range of motion was calculated by comparing flexion during the tasks with the value obtained while the subject performed full flexion (i.e., calibration). Increases in the time to completion of each task were similar to the data collected during the simulation in Part A, but the smaller sample size led to significant increase only when writing their name (p=0.012) and texting a message (p=0.007). Restrictions led to a decrease the subject\u27s range of motion for each of the tasks; however, because of equipment issues resulting in a smaller sample size, it is difficult to assess an accurate change in the range of motion in terms of flexion and extension. Alternate equipment could be considered to observe the complex motions, both flexions and extensions, required for each of the tasks and how they may change with the addition of simulation materials. Future research that expands upon the idea of an arthritis simulation for allied health students could further improve the effectiveness and reality of the simulation, which will increase a student\u27s understanding of aging and arthritis