Effect of Visual Feedback on Force Application in Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament Testing: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Yıl 2025, Cilt: 12 Sayı: 3, 867 - 883, 31.12.2025

İlkem Ceren Sığırtmaç , Özge Buket Arslan , Fatih Süleyman Okumuş , Abdullah Ruhi Soylu , Çiğdem Öksüz

Öz

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of traditional simulation training (TST) and visual feedback training (VFT) in improving force accuracy and consistency during the application of the Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament Test (SWMT) among occupational therapy students.
Materials and Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 52 senior-year occupational therapy students (TST:n = 25; VFT:n = 27). All participants received standardized theoretical instruction before undergoing either TST or VFT. Pre- and post-training assessments were conducted using a high-precision force sensor. Main outcome measures included maximum applied force (MaxF1–3), absolute error, contact duration (T1–3), and inter-application intervals (L1–2). Non-parametric tests and effect sizes (r) were used for statistical comparisons.
Results: Post-training comparisons revealed significantly greater force consistency in the VFT group compared to TST: MaxF1 (p = 0.04, r = 0.273), MaxF2 (p = 0.02, r = 0.318), MaxF3 (p = 0.03, r = 0.302). Absolute error increased in TST (MaxF2: +0.25g), while it decreased in VFT (MaxF2: –0.20g). Touch durations (T1–T3) significantly improved only in the VFT group (p < 0.001), with large effect sizes (r= 0.721 to 0.772). No significant improvements were observed in TST.
Conclusion: VFT enhanced students’ ability to apply consistent and accurate force during SWMT compared to TST. These findings highlight the value of integrating objective feedback tools into clinical training protocols to improve psychomotor performance in sensory testing. Future studies should investigate the long-term retention of skills and the clinical applicability of this approach in real patient scenarios.

Anahtar Kelimeler

tactile sense , visual stimulation , clinical skills , health education

Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament Testinde Kuvvet Uygulaması Üzerine Görsel Geri Bildirimin Etkisi: Randomize Kontrollü Çalışma

Öz

Amaç: Bu çalışmada, ergoterapi lisans son sınıf öğrencilerinde Semmes–Weinstein Monofilament Testi (SWMT) uygulaması sırasında kuvvet doğruluğu ve tutarlılığını geliştirmede geleneksel simülasyon eğitimi (TST) ile görsel geri bildirim eğitiminin (VFT) etkililiğini karşılaştırmak amaçlandı.
Gereç ve Yöntem: Randomize kontrollü bir çalışma ile 52 ergoterapi son sınıf öğrencisi çalışmaya alındı (TST: n = 25; VFT: n = 27). Tüm katılımcılara standartlaştırılmış teorik eğitim verildikten sonra ilgili eğitimlerden biri uygulandı. Eğitim öncesi ve sonrası değerlendirmeler yüksek hassasiyetli bir kuvvet sensörü kullanılarak yapıldı. Ana sonuç ölçütleri maksimum uygulanan kuvvet (MaxF1–3), mutlak hata, temas süresi (T1–T3) ve uygulamalar arası aralıklar (L1–2) idi. İstatistiksel karşılaştırmalarda parametrik olmayan testler ve etki büyüklükleri (r) kullanıldı.
Bulgular: Eğitim sonrası karşılaştırmalarda VFT grubunda kuvvet tutarlılığı TST’ye göre anlamlı derecede daha yüksekti: MaxF1 (p = 0,04, r = 0,273), MaxF2 (p = 0,02, r = 0,318), MaxF3 (p = 0,03, r = 0,302). Mutlak hata TST’de artarken (MaxF2: +0,25 g) VFT’de azaldı (MaxF2: –0,20 g). Temas süreleri (T1–T3) yalnızca VFT grubunda anlamlı iyileşti (p <0,001) ve büyük etki büyüklükleri gösterdi (r = 0,721 ile 0,772). TST grubunda anlamlı bir iyileşme gözlenmedi.
Sonuç: Görsel geri bildirim eğitimi, SWMT uygulamasında öğrencilerin daha tutarlı ve doğru kuvvet uygulama becerisini geliştirdi; bu da objektif geri bildirim araçlarının klinik eğitim protokollerine entegrasyonunun faydalı olduğunu göstermektedir. Gelecek çalışmalar becerilerin uzun dönem korunumu ve gerçek hasta uygulamalarındaki geçerliliği üzerine odaklanmalıdır.

Anahtar Kelimeler

taktil duyu , görsel stimülasyon , klinik beceriler , sağlık eğitimi

Kaynakça

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