Design and Validation of a Computer-Aided Learning Program to Enhance Students' Ability to Recognize Lameness in the Horse

Abstract

The ability to recognize lameness in the horse is an important skill for veterinary graduates; however, opportunities to develop this skill at the undergraduate level are limited. Computer-aided learning programs (CALs) have been successful in supplementing practical skills teaching. The aim of this study was to design and validate a CAL for the teaching of equine lameness recognition (CAL1). A control CAL was designed to simulate learning by experience (CAL2). Student volunteers were randomly assigned to either CAL and tested to establish their current ability to recognize lameness. Retesting occurred both immediately following exposure and 1 week later. At each test point, the number of correct responses for forelimb and hind limb cases was determined. Student confidence was assessed before and after CAL exposure, with previous opportunities to recognize lameness taken into account. Immediately following exposure, the number of correct responses was significantly higher for CAL1 than for CAL2, both overall and for forelimb cases but not for hind limb cases. After 1 week, the CAL1 group performed significantly better overall compared to the CAL2 group, with no significant difference between forelimb and hind limb cases. Student confidence and ability to recognize lameness were significantly improved following exposure to CAL1. When considered as one category, students in years 4 and 5 performed significantly better than year 3 students. Gender did not significantly affect performance. CAL1 could be used to supplement current lameness recognition opportunities. CAL1 is, however, limited in its ability to improve lameness recognition, especially in relation to hind limb lameness where it was unable to attain a significant difference from CAL2.

Evaluation of feedback methods for improved detection of hindlimb lameness in horses among riding instructors and trainers

“…When studying hindlimb lameness, critical key stimuli can be translated into typical visual signs of lameness, e.g., differences in the vertical displacement of the sacrum ( 11 ). Potential of computer-based learning tools to improve identification of lameness has been demonstrated ( 12 , 13 ), and it has been reasoned that computer-aided learning could be a complementary tool in training veterinary students ( 13 ). In a recent study, veterinary students were given a web-based learning tool showing animations of horses and tasked with classifying them as sound or lame (and, in case of lameness, to specify the limb) ( 12 ).…”