Effectiveness of Tik Tok Videos on Novice Physical Therapy Students' Clinical Reasoning Skills in Musculoskeletal Conditions - A Quantitative Analysis

Introduction: This study explored the potential of TikTok as an educational tool to enhance clinical reasoning skills in undergraduate physical therapy students. We observed a decline in these skills, particularly during and after the Covid-19 pandemic, coinciding with increased social media use, including TikTok. Materials and methods: A quasi-experimental design involved 60 students (84.4% female, 15.5% male, mean age 21.6) divided into an experimental and control group. Baseline proficiency was established through pre-tests consisting of a theory-based clinical reasoning test and four objective structured practical examination (OSPE) stations. Both groups then participated in traditional classroom learning and self-directed learning for ten weeks. The experimental group accessed researcher-designed TikTok videos, while the control group chose their own learning materials. Post-tests mirrored the pre-tests. Results: While both groups showed significant improvement (p-value < 0.001), no statistically significant differences (p-value > 0.05) were found between the groups' theory and practical test scores. Conclusion: Despite this, the study highlights TikTok's potential as an engaging format for acquiring knowledge on musculoskeletal conditions, encompassing prevalence, pathophysiology, diagnostics, treatment, and home care. Further research is needed to refine and optimize the use of social media platforms like TikTok for enhanced clinical reasoning skills in physical therapy education.