Construction and Educational Impact of Plastination Models of the Limbic System, Basal Nuclei, Cerebellum, and Human Spinal Cord

Isfahan University of Medical Sciences

Status: Not yet enrolling

Conditions: Education, Medical, Undergraduate; Education, Medical; Education

Treatments: Behavioral: Traditional Methods Group; Behavioral: Plastination Model Group

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06991933

IR.ARI.MUI.REC.1404.007

1403315 (Other Grant/Funding Number)

Details and patient eligibility

About

Purpose:

This educational trial aims to assess whether plastination models for neuroanatomy training (limbic system, basal ganglia, cerebellum, spinal cord)" improve medical students' understanding of central nervous system anatomy compared to traditional educational methods. It will also evaluate student satisfaction with this teaching tool.

Key Questions:

1. Do plastination models for neuroanatomy training (limbic system, basal ganglia, cerebellum, spinal cord) enhance test scores in neuroanatomy examinations?
2. How do students perceive the educational value of these models?

Study Design:

Researchers will compare two teaching methods:

• Intervention group: Learns using plastination models for neuroanatomy training (limbic system, basal ganglia, cerebellum, spinal cord)
• Control group: Learns using standard 2D atlases, power point and plastic models

Participants will:

1. Complete a pre-intervention anatomy knowledge test
2. Attend 4 weekly neuroanatomy sessions using their assigned method
3. Take a post-intervention exam and satisfaction survey
4. Participate in focus groups about their learning experience

Enrollment: 60 estimated patients

Sex: All

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Medical students in their third semester of training
• Currently enrolled in neuroanatomy coursework at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences
• No prior formal training with plastinated models
• Willing to attend all study sessions for 7 weeks
• Able to complete assessments in persian

Exclusion criteria

• Prior experience with plastinated models
• Currently taking neuroanatomy remediation courses
• Planned absences during >20% of study sessions

Trial design

Primary purpose: Basic Science

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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60 participants in 2 patient groups

Arm 1 : Plastination Model Group

Experimental group

Description:

Receives instruction using plastinated models of: * Brainstem * Limbic system * Basal ganglia * Cerebellum * Spinal cord Duration: 7 weeks of training (2 hours/week) Taught by professor who every year teaches neuroanatomy Assessment: Standardized anatomy exams + spatial reasoning tests

Treatment:

Behavioral: Plastination Model Group

Traditional Methods Group

Active Comparator group

Description:

Receives equivalent instruction using: * Standard textbook and 2D atlases (e.g., Netter's) * Lectures with 2D projections Matched in duration and instructor expertise Same assessment protocol as an experimental group

Treatment:

Behavioral: Traditional Methods Group