Acceptance of the bodypainting as supportive method to learn the surface locomotor apparatus anatomy of the horse.

The research article evaluates the effectiveness of using bodypainting on horses to teach veterinary anatomy of the equine locomotor system to students, finding it a supportive method to traditional teaching.

Objective and Methodology

• The aim of the study was to utilize and assess the bodypainting method as a supplementary tool to traditional teaching techniques in veterinary anatomy, specifically equine locomotor apparatus anatomy.
• Bodypainting, a technique commonly employed in human anatomy teaching, was applied on four horses for anatomical instruction.
• Twenty one Brazilian veterinary students were taught through this method. They were given a 90-minute session to observe the bodypainted horses, ask questions, and physically interact with different anatomical locations on the horses.

Testing and Results

• The evaluation process involved administering practical tests to students immediately before and an hour post the teaching session. The purpose was to assess the retention of the material taught.
• The effectiveness of this method was gauged via the variation in test scores. The average scores before and after the session were examined to note the change in the students’ understanding and retention.
• The students’ scores, which were averaged at 33.9 ± 19.8% ahead of the session, rose to 69.0 ± 18.4% after the session. The marked improvement in scores was statistically significant (p < 0.001).

Feedback and Conclusion

• Students were also surveyed about their satisfaction with this learning technique, and the response was unanimously positive.
• The study concluded that bodypainting holds substantial potential as a supplementary tool to boost traditional teaching methods concerning the anatomy of the equine locomotor apparatus.