Abstract:

Physiotherapy programs focused on patients with ischemic cardiopathy are essential for their adequate rehabilitation. However, the acquisition of some of these concepts remains a challenge for undergraduate students in the Physical Therapy Degree. In this context, Service-learning programs are a tool for active student participation that facilitates learning and that can be more effective than traditional methods for the study of physical therapy in heart diseases.

Hence, the aim of this study is to present the methodology of Service-Learning in the study of cardiac rehabilitation in Physical therapy, in the subject “Cardiovascular Physical Therapy”.

This project was carried out using the methodology of Service-Learning in the study of cardiac rehabilitation in Physical therapy, in the context of the subject “Cardiovascular Physical Therapy”. For this purpose, a sample of 15 students was used. All students were divided into subgroups of 3 or 4, in which Service-Learning was utilized as an active participation technique. For this aim, students who participated in this project, had the collaboration of a cardiopathy patients’ association, learning in an active way with real patients. Students were asked to define the requirements of real patients with ischemic cardiopathy, and to design a physical exercise program adapted to them. They also had to defend the utility and validity of the end product in an oral presentation of the program to the patients, solving any possible doubt.

The physiotherapy program adapted pursued to reach the following aims:
1) To improve the physical wellness of patients with ischemic cardiopathy;
2) To inform about the possible dangers or contraindications of activities, exercises or sports for these patients;
3) To improve the understanding of their own condition in patients with ischemic cardiopathy;
4) To promote the importance of health.

Results showed that Service-Learning is a suitable option regarding active learning in the study of cardiac rehabilitation in Physical therapy, in the subject of cardiovascular physical therapy The use of this technique can promote interest between students and help to achieve learning objectives of cardiac rehabilitation and physical therapy.

Keywords:

Service-Learning, Cardiovascular physical therapy, physical therapy.