Journal article
Influence of an Exercise Program, Muscle Strength, Proprioception, and Arm Length on Veterinary Students' Bovine Pregnancy Diagnosis Accuracy
Journal of veterinary medical education, Vol.48(2), pp.196-210
2021
PMID: 32758090
Abstract
Bovine pregnancy diagnosis (PD) by transrectal palpation (TRP) is an important skill for veterinary graduates. Factors influencing students’ PD accuracy were investigated to optimize bovine PD by TRP training without increasing live animal exposure. The objective was to determine whether arm length and strength, proprioception, and exposure to a 6-week exercise training program were significantly associated with students’ PD accuracy. Veterinary students (n = 128) who had previously received formal theoretical and practical training in bovine TRP and PD (live cows and TRP simulators) were assessed for PD accuracy on live cows. Prior to assessment, arm muscle strength measurement, an exercise program, and additional TRP sessions on Breed’n Betsy® simulators and live cows were offered to the students. Seventy-eight students volunteered to participate in the arm length measurement, muscle strength, and proprioception testing. Of these, 35 randomly allocated students completed a 6-week exercise program, after which muscle strength was reassessed. Each student performed PDs on six cows of which the pregnancy status, ranging from 6 weeks to 9 months pregnant or not pregnant, was predetermined by an experienced veterinarian. PD accuracy was measured as sensitivity and specificity, being defined as the proportion of pregnant or nonpregnant cows, respectively, correctly identified by the student. It is concluded that hand grip strength and participation in an exercise program are significant predictors of veterinary students’ PD accuracy. Implementation of an exercise program aimed at improving grip strength in the veterinary curriculum is a novel approach to improve bovine TRP and PD training.
Details
- Title
- Influence of an Exercise Program, Muscle Strength, Proprioception, and Arm Length on Veterinary Students' Bovine Pregnancy Diagnosis Accuracy
- Authors/Creators
- Annett Annandale - University of PretoriaGeoffrey T. Fosgate - University of PretoriaCarina A. Eksteen - Supreme Council Of HealthWim D. J. Kremer - Univ Utrecht, Educ, Utrecht, NetherlandsHarold G. J. Bok - College Station Medical CenterDietmar E. Holm - University of Pretoria
- Publication Details
- Journal of veterinary medical education, Vol.48(2), pp.196-210
- Publisher
- Univ Toronto Press Inc
- Number of pages
- 15
- Grant note
- Zoetis South Africa Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA), South Africa University of Pretoria's Research Development Program
- Identifiers
- 991005598620107891
- Copyright
- © 2021 AAVMC
- Murdoch Affiliation
- School of Veterinary Medicine
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
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- Domestic collaboration
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- Citation topics
- 3 Agriculture, Environment & Ecology
- 3.232 Veterinary Sciences
- 3.232.1375 Human-Animal Bond
- Web Of Science research areas
- Education, Scientific Disciplines
- Veterinary Sciences
- ESI research areas
- Plant & Animal Science