Design and validation of a novel learning tool, the “Anato-Rug,” for teaching equine topographical anatomy.

This research article outlines the development and evaluation of an innovative tool called the “Anato-Rug,” a rug depicting equine anatomy, designed to assist veterinary students in learning about the topographical anatomy of horses. The study found that this tool significantly improved students’ short-term understanding, confidence, and enjoyment in learning about equine anatomy, but it did not improve their long-term memory recall.

Study Design and Participants

• The study focused on the development and evaluation of the “Anato-Rug,” a teaching tool for veterinary anatomy.
• The tool represents an equine’s topographical anatomy, with specific emphasis on the key areas of lung, heart, and gastrointestinal auscultation.
• Over a period of 2 weeks, 38 third-year veterinary students participated in the study. They were randomly assigned to an experimental group that used the Anato-Rug and a control group that learned from a textbook.

Testing and Evaluation

• After their respective learning activities, each group were tested on their knowledge of live anatomy and underwent a retest after one week.
• All participants also filled out a questionnaire to assess their perceptions of their respective learning experiences.
• Results showed that the students in the experimental group (Anato-Rug) scored significantly higher than the control group in the first testing session. They also reported more enjoyment and confidence in identifying anatomical landmarks.

Study Findings and Implications

• The study found that the Anato-Rug significantly enhanced students’ understanding, confidence, and enjoyment in learning equine thorax and abdominal anatomy.
• However, there was no significant difference between the scores of the two groups in the second test, indicating that the Anato-Rug did not improve long-term memory recall.
• The study suggests that the Anato-Rug can be an effective tool for teaching and learning equine anatomy in the short term, but its effectiveness in relation to long-term memory recall is comparable to traditional learning methods.