Editorial Type: ORIGINAL ARTICLES
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Online Publication Date: 01 Oct 2010

Understanding the Extraocular Muscles and Oculomotor, Trochlear, and Abducens Nerves Through a Simulation in Physical Examination Training: An Innovative Approach*

MD, MS and
MD, MS
Article Category: Research Article
Page Range: 153 – 158
DOI: 10.7899/1042-5055-24.2.153
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Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of an innovative exhibitory eye model simulation in a physical examination laboratory format on explaining Listing's Law concerning the individual extraocular muscle action and the rationale for cranial nerve testing. Methods: Participants were 71 volunteers in the third quarter of a chiropractic training program. The study involved a specially designed eyeball model used to explain the movements of individual extraocular muscles based on Listing's law and their cranial innervations in conjunction with the physical examination. Pre- and post-written tests were used to assess participants' understanding of the subjects taught. The test results were compared with those of nonparticipants who also took the same pre- and posttests. Results: An independent samples t-test of the posttest showed a significant difference between the groups. The study group students achieved higher scores than their counterparts in the control group. Conclusion: Using an innovative approach to explain Listing's law and rationale for cranial nerve tests can improve physical examination skill and help produce more effective written test results.

Copyright: © 2010 Association of Chiropractic Colleges 2010

Contributor Notes

About the Authors

Niu Zhang and Xiaohua He are with Palmer College of Chiropractic Florida.

* This paper was selected as a 2010 Association of Chiropractic Colleges Research Agenda Conference Prize Winning Paper. The award is funded by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners.

Address correspondence to Niu Zhang, Palmer College of Chiropractic Florida, 4777 City Center Parkway, Port Orange, FL 32129 (e-mail: niu.zhang@palmer.edu).
Received: 02 Apr 2010
Accepted: 17 Jun 2010
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