# Educational Strategy for the Development of Musculoskeletal Competencies in Therapeutic Exercise Through Service-Learning in Community Spaces: A Pilot Study

## TL;DR

This pilot study shows that service-learning in community spaces can improve physiotherapy students' skills in musculoskeletal rehabilitation and prepare them for clinical practice.

## Contribution

The study introduces a novel service-learning approach for developing musculoskeletal competencies in physiotherapy education using community-based therapeutic exercise programs.

## Key findings

- Over 70% of students rated their learning experience highly in pathology description, clinical assessment, and exercise planning.
- 92% of students reported improved teamwork, 89% noted better adaptability, and 87% reported enhanced decision-making skills.
- The study suggests that service-learning can support the transition from academic training to clinical practice in physiotherapy.

## Abstract

Service-Learning (SL) is an innovative educational methodology that integrates academic learning with active community engagement, fostering both technical and transversal competencies. This pilot study explores the implementation of an SL-based experience within the Physiotherapy Degree at the University of Extremadura. The primary objective was to design and deliver therapeutic exercise programs targeting patients with cardiorespiratory conditions, utilizing local community resources. A total of 44 third-year physiotherapy students participated in the design and simulated the implementation of community-based interventions targeting muscular strength, postural control, balance, and endurance. A mixed-methods approach was used, combining descriptive statistics (SPSS v23) and thematic analysis of student reflections to assess the impact of SL on the development of specific professional competencies, including clinical reasoning, patient communication, therapeutic planning, and adaptation of interventions to diverse environments. The results show a significant improvement in students’ theoretical and practical understanding, with over 70% of participants rating their learning experience between 8 and 10 (on a 0–10 scale) in aspects such as pathology description, clinical assessment, and exercise planning. Additionally, 92% reported improved teamwork, 89% noted better adaptability, and 87% reported enhanced decision-making skills. The findings suggest that SL can enhance perceived learning in musculoskeletal rehabilitation and support the transition from academic training to clinical practice. However, the study is exploratory and based on perceived outcomes, and future research should include validated tools and real patients to assess its impact more rigorously. This pilot study highlights the value of integrating musculoskeletal-focused training—targeting strength, balance, and endurance—into physiotherapy education through Service-Learning methodology. The study highlights SL’s potential to enrich physiotherapy education while leveraging community spaces—such as those in Extremadura, a region with three UNESCO World Heritage Sites—as dynamic learning environments.