Document Type

Article

Publication Date

Winter 12-2021

Publication Title

Journal of Allied Health

Volume

50

Issue

4

Pages

e107-e114

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Clinical reasoning relies on executive functions (EFs) that manage attention, inhibition, organization, and decision-making. Assessment of EFs may help identify students who excel at clinical reasoning, yet data showing this relationship in physical therapy (PT) education programs are lacking. The primary purpose of this exploratory study was to examine EFs in relationship to success in PT educational programs. METHODS: Thirteen third-year PT graduate students completed two EF tests which were compared to culminating scores in the program and admissions scores. RESULTS: A relationship existed between National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and comprehensive exam results and one EF test score; comprehensive exams and NPTE scores related to the other EF test. CONCLUSIONS: EF measures may provide insights into student successes, especially as they pertain to outcomes requiring clinical reasoning.

Comments

© 2021 Association of Schools Advancing Health Professions. Copyright remains with the Association. Re-use or reproduction of this material in other formats or publications requires written permission from the ASAHP.

Included with the kind written permission of the publisher.

ORCID

0000-0002-5661-8630 (Raymer)

Original Publication Citation

Roitsch, J., Walker, M. L., & Raymer, A. M. (2021). Executive functions and student success during physical therapist education: An exploratory study. Journal of Allied Health, 50(4), e107-e114. https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/asahp/jah/2021/00000050/00000004/art00013

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