Palpation SkillsNCT07166705
Metaverse-Based Education for Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Students
A study testing Metaverse-Based Education Group, Distance/Online Education Group and Traditional Face-to-Face Education Group in people with Palpation Skills and Physical Therapy Education, run by Suleyman Demirel University.
Trial summary
In the modern era, university students, especially those from Generation Z, are true digital natives who have grown up with technology and embraced it wholeheartedly. This hyper-cognitive generation has different characteristics than their predecessors and emphasizes educational approaches integrated with innovative… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Palpation Skills, Physical Therapy Education, Educational Interventions
- What is being tested?
- Metaverse-Based Education Group, Distance/Online Education Group and Traditional Face-to-Face Education Group
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 48 participants
- Where
- No sites listed yet
- Study dates
- 5 Sep 2025to 26 Sep 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Being an undergraduate student in the Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation
- Having basic anatomy knowledge
- Having sufficient time and resources to participate in training and complete assessments
- Being 18 years of age or older
- Being a volunteer and providing written consent
Who cannot join
- Having previously received comprehensive palpation training
- Those at High Risk of Absence During Training
- Participants who lack the necessary hardware and internet access, especially for online and metaverse groups
Trial locations and contacts
No sites are listed yet. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
About this study
Official title: Investigating the Effects of the Metaverse-Based Education Model on Motivation and Academic Achievement in Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Students: A Randomized Controlled Study
In the modern era, university students, especially those from Generation Z, are true digital natives who have grown up with technology and embraced it wholeheartedly. This hyper-cognitive generation has different characteristics than their predecessors and emphasizes educational approaches integrated with innovative technologies over traditional methods. Rather than traditional classroom learning, Generation Z prefers to learn through various media, such as digital games, YouTube videos, and smart devices. Science and technology have made rapid and transformative progress in recent decades. One of these developments is the emergence of the metaverse, a rapidly expanding three-dimensional virtual space. Neal Stephenson coined the term "metaverse" in his 1992 science fiction novel Snow Crash, combining the words "meta," meaning "transcendence and virtuality," and "verse," meaning "world and universe." Enhanced by technologies such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and artificial intelligence, the metaverse creates a 3D virtual sphere where individuals from around the world can come together for shared social interactions. It also serves as an arena for users to participate in various social activities. In recent years, significant events such as the pandemic, conflicts, seismic activity, and climate change have led to disruptions in higher education in certain countries. Due to the pandemic, there has been a significant shift towards distance learning platforms, and students have been denied various opportunities. Distance learning is defined as "an effective form of learning that is independent of time and place. It offers individuals the ability to conveniently configure and update educational materials electronically and integrate different technologies into the learning process. These technologies can be utilized 24/7." The goal of distance education is to ensure continuity of education and increase learner satisfaction. Consequently, universities have adopted various distance learning models to address these challenges and promote their students' academic success. Using the metaverse in education is a significant application area and is widely anticipated to be very promising in the future.
- Conditions
- Palpation Skills, Physical Therapy Education, Educational Interventions, Health Professions Education
- Being tested
- Metaverse-Based Education Group, Distance/Online Education Group, Traditional Face-to-Face Education Group
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Metaverse-Based Education GroupOther
As part of this intervention, participants will receive palpation skills training in a metaverse-based virtual learning environment. The training consists of three modules, each of which will cover the palpation of a different anatomical region:
- Module 1: Cervical region palpation
- Module 2: Thoracic region palpation
- Module 3: Lumbo-pelvic region palpation The training will be delivered in a three-dimensional virtual classroom environment using avatars. Participants will engage in interactive exercises based on scenarios structured on the metaverse platform and, under the guidance of an instructor, will practice palpation techniques on virtual patient models.
Sessions will be conducted in a group format, allowing students to interact with each other in real-time. Voice communication, motion tracking, and virtual feedback mechanisms will be used throughout the training.
Distance/Online Education GroupOther
As part of this intervention, a palpation skills course will be delivered to participants online via the Microsoft Teams application. The training consists of three modules, each of which will cover the palpation of different anatomical regions.
Module 1: Cervical region palpation Module 2: Thoracic region palpation Module 3: Lumbo-pelvic region palpation The training will utilize theoretical information, visual materials, and live/pre-recorded practice videos. Participants will attend the course as a group and participate in structured learning sessions guided by the instructor in each module.
Traditional Face-to-Face Education GroupOther
As part of this intervention, participants will be taught palpation skills in a face-to-face classroom setting using traditional teaching methods. The training consists of three modules:
Module 1: Palpation of the cervical region Module 2: Thoracic region palpation Module 3: Lumbo-pelvic region palpation Throughout the training, the instructor will conduct structured theoretical presentations, demonstrations, and face-to-face practice sessions. Students will observe palpation techniques through live demonstrations by the instructor and then have the opportunity to practice one-on-one.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Metaverse-Based Education Group | Experimental | Not described Receives: Other: Metaverse-Based Education Group |
| Distance/Online Education Group | Experimental | Not described Receives: Other: Distance/Online Education Group |
| Traditional Face-to-Face Education Group | Experimental | Not described Receives: Other: Traditional Face-to-Face Education Group |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Instructional Materials Motivation Survey
This scale identifies changes in students' motivation when exposed to instructional materials based on the basic components. The scale's reliability (Cronbach's alpha) internal consistency coefficient was found to be .83 for the total scale and .79 and .69 for the sub-factors, respectively. The scale's sub-dimensions are divided into attention-relevance and confidence-satisfaction. This questionnaire is self-reported and uses a five-point Likert-type scale (1 = strongly disagree, 5 = strongly agree). The potential score for the scale ranges from 24 (minimum) to 120 (maximum). Higher cumulative scores indicate increased learning motivation.
Measured: Pre-test 1 day before intervention Post-test 1 day after intervention ends
Academic Performance Assessment (exam)
Researchers will develop a 15-question multiple-choice, visual exam to assess students' proficiency in the Palpation Skills in Physiotherapy course. Before use, the test items will be administered to a separate group of students to assess validity and reliability. The test will then be administered face-to-face.
Measured: 1 day after intervention ends
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted10 Sep 2025
- Study start5 Sep 2025 (estimated)
- Primary completion22 Sep 2025 (estimated)
- Study completion26 Sep 2025 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Palpation SkillsStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 48 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Suleyman Demirel University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Mesut ERGAN, Suleyman Demirel University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07166705
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 05-12-2025/96/7
- Status last verified
- Sep 2025
- First submitted
- 2 Sep 2025
- Last updated
- 10 Sep 2025
- Results posted
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 10 Sep 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Investigating the Effects of the Metaverse-Based Education Model on Motivation and Academic Achievement in Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Students: A Randomized Controlled Study
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07166705
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 05-12-2025/96/7
- Conditions
- Palpation Skills, Physical Therapy Education, Educational Interventions, Health Professions Education
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 48 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Suleyman Demirel UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 5 Sep 2025 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 22 Sep 2025 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 26 Sep 2025 (estimated)
- First posted
- 10 Sep 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
In the modern era, university students, especially those from Generation Z, are true digital natives who have grown up with technology and embraced it wholeheartedly. This hyper-cognitive generation has different characteristics than their predecessors and emphasizes educational approaches integrated with innovative technologies over traditional methods. Rather than traditional classroom learning, Generation Z prefers to learn through various media, such as digital games, YouTube videos, and smart devices. Science and technology have made rapid and transformative progress in recent decades. One of these developments is the emergence of the metaverse, a rapidly expanding three-dimensional virtual space. Neal Stephenson coined the term "metaverse" in his 1992 science fiction novel Snow Crash, combining the words "meta," meaning "transcendence and virtuality," and "verse," meaning "world and universe." Enhanced by technologies such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and artificial intelligence, the metaverse creates a 3D virtual sphere where individuals from around the world can come together for shared social interactions. It also serves as an arena for users to participate in various social activities. In recent years, significant events such as the pandemic, conflicts, seismic activity, and climate change have led to disruptions in higher education in certain countries. Due to the pandemic, there has been a significant shift towards distance learning platforms, and students have been denied various opportunities. Distance learning is defined as "an effective form of learning that is independent of time and place. It offers individuals the ability to conveniently configure and update educational materials electronically and integrate different technologies into the learning process. These technologies can be utilized 24/7." The goal of distance education is to ensure continuity of education and increase learner satisfaction. Consequently, universities have adopted various distance learning models to address these challenges and promote their students' academic success. Using the metaverse in education is a significant application area and is widely anticipated to be very promising in the future.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 3
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Metaverse-Based Education Group | Experimental | Other: Metaverse-Based Education Group |
| Distance/Online Education Group | Experimental | Other: Distance/Online Education Group |
| Traditional Face-to-Face Education Group | Experimental | Other: Traditional Face-to-Face Education Group |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Being an undergraduate student in the Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation
- Having basic anatomy knowledge
- Having sufficient time and resources to participate in training and complete assessments
- Being 18 years of age or older
- Being a volunteer and providing written consent
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Having previously received comprehensive palpation training
- Those at High Risk of Absence During Training
- Participants who lack the necessary hardware and internet access, especially for online and metaverse groups
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Metaverse-Based Education GroupAs part of this intervention, participants will receive palpation skills training in a metaverse-based virtual learning environment. The training consists of three modules, each of which will cover the palpation of a different anatomical region: * Module 1: Cervical region palpation * Module 2: Thoracic region palpation * Module 3: Lumbo-pelvic region palpation The training will be delivered in a three-dimensional virtual classroom environment using avatars. Participants will engage in interactive exercises based on scenarios structured on the metaverse platform and, under the guidance of an instructor, will practice palpation techniques on virtual patient models. Sessions will be conducted in a group format, allowing students to interact with each other in real-time. Voice communication, motion tracking, and virtual feedback mechanisms will be used throughout the training. | Other | Metaverse-Based Education Group |
| Distance/Online Education GroupAs part of this intervention, a palpation skills course will be delivered to participants online via the Microsoft Teams application. The training consists of three modules, each of which will cover the palpation of different anatomical regions. Module 1: Cervical region palpation Module 2: Thoracic region palpation Module 3: Lumbo-pelvic region palpation The training will utilize theoretical information, visual materials, and live/pre-recorded practice videos. Participants will attend the course as a group and participate in structured learning sessions guided by the instructor in each module. | Other | Distance/Online Education Group |
| Traditional Face-to-Face Education GroupAs part of this intervention, participants will be taught palpation skills in a face-to-face classroom setting using traditional teaching methods. The training consists of three modules: Module 1: Palpation of the cervical region Module 2: Thoracic region palpation Module 3: Lumbo-pelvic region palpation Throughout the training, the instructor will conduct structured theoretical presentations, demonstrations, and face-to-face practice sessions. Students will observe palpation techniques through live demonstrations by the instructor and then have the opportunity to practice one-on-one. | Other | Traditional Face-to-Face Education Group |
Primary outcome
Instructional Materials Motivation Survey
Time frame: Pre-test 1 day before intervention Post-test 1 day after intervention ends
This scale identifies changes in students' motivation when exposed to instructional materials based on the basic components. The scale's reliability (Cronbach's alpha) internal consistency coefficient was found to be .83 for the total scale and .79 and .69 for the sub-factors, respectively. The scale's sub-dimensions are divided into attention-relevance and confidence-satisfaction. This questionnaire is self-reported and uses a five-point Likert-type scale (1 = strongly disagree, 5 = strongly agree). The potential score for the scale ranges from 24 (minimum) to 120 (maximum). Higher cumulative scores indicate increased learning motivation.
Academic Performance Assessment (exam)
Time frame: 1 day after intervention ends
Researchers will develop a 15-question multiple-choice, visual exam to assess students' proficiency in the Palpation Skills in Physiotherapy course. Before use, the test items will be administered to a separate group of students to assess validity and reliability. The test will then be administered face-to-face.
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 10 Sep 2025.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Metaverse-Based Education Group, Distance/Online Education Group and Traditional Face-to-Face Education Group in people with Palpation Skills and Physical Therapy Education, run by Suleyman Demirel University.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 3 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 10 Sep 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Mesut ERGAN (+90 02462113730, mesutergan@sdu.edu.tr), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Instructional Materials Motivation Survey (time frame: Pre-test 1 day before intervention Post-test 1 day after intervention ends). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 10 Sep 2025.