Understanding the extraocular muscles and oculomotor, trochlear, and abducens nerves through a simulation in physical examination training: an innovative approach.

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.