RESUMO
Background: In recent years, novel teaching methodologies have been emerging with the aim of improving student learning. One of them is known as Blended Learning. BL allows educators to integrate elements of traditional face-to-face teaching with tailored online learning modalities, integrating the distinct strengths of both methodologies. Purpose: To determine the effectiveness of a heart disease blended learning program in undergraduate physiotherapy students. Methods: 124 participants (average age 21.20 ± 4.67 years, 58.87% female) performed an 8-week heart disease blended learning program that included face-to-face classes and online resources. Knowledge was assessed at baseline, at 4, 8, 12 and 20 weeks. Motivation and engagement were assessed at 4 and 8 weeks. Design of the instructions and learning behaviors were measured at 8 weeks. Finally, 108 subjects completed the study. Results: Knowledge significantly increased mid-program (p = 0.02), at the end of the program (p < 0.001), at 12 weeks (p < 0.001) and 20 weeks (p = 0.001). After the intervention, a high intrinsic motivation was shown (5.60 ± 0.80)) over 7), whilst extrinsic motivation scored 4.24 ± 0.97 over 7.Finally, engagement (3.98 ± 0.52) over 5), design of the instructions (4.15 ± 0.62) over 5) and learning behaviors (70.51 ± 36.08) downloads, 28.97 ± 16.09) topics visited, and online questionnaires scored 7.67 ± 1.60) over 10) reported adequate scores. Conclusion: This program seems to be an appropriate methodology in future physiotherapists, since it improved knowledge and participants exhibited a high motivation and an adequate engagement, design of the program instructions and learning behaviors.
RESUMO
This study aimed to detect the functional and emotional impact of COVID-19 lockdown on institutionalized older adults with sarcopenia during a 15-month follow-up. A prospective longitudinal cohort study was conducted in a nursing home. Participants were screened for sarcopenia, and those with a score of ≥4 points according to SARC-F questionnaire were included. Assessments were performed pre-lockdown (T1), 12 months (T2) after, and at a 15-month follow-up (T3). Functional measurements included chair stand test, handgrip, biceps brachii and quadriceps femoris strengths, appendicular skeletal mass, gait speed, Short Physical Performance Battery, and Timed Up-and-Go test. Emotional assessments included Short-Form Health Survey, Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form, and the Mini-Mental State Examination. The analyzed sample showed a reduction in bicep strength, and other upper and lower limb strength variables showed a decreasing trend with no changes regarding muscle mass. Physical performance showed a change, specifically a deterioration in the subtest related to balance. Cognitive and emotional components were affected and quality of life was decreased. It is of paramount importance to focus on sarcopenic older adults since their characteristics can deteriorate when isolation measures are conducted.
