Use of digital sports bands as new approach for physiology education through aware of self-care health

Abstract

Abstract Background: The understanding and integration of human physiology is essential for health professionals. However, several studies have shown that there still several difficulties associate to this subject. Therefore, the search for new strategies to improve the integration of learning of this discipline is a relevant educational goal. Remarkably, William T Porter, a physiologist, stated in 1901 that personal experience is essential for learning this area of science. Since then, multiple experience-based strategies have been implemented to address this educational goal. Methods: In proposal, we used sports digital bands (wearable) that allow the recording of physiological variables such as heart rate, number of steps, among others. Thus, the students recorded their own variables, establishing functional correlations associated with the integration of the contents of physiology. Additionally, using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) we measured the auto report level of physical activity of each student (n=28). The intervention was carried out during the development of the academic semester, while we were in confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our objective was a virtual work complement with a practical activity remotely guided. Results: Our results indicate that the use of these tools help to increase the integration of physiology concepts but corresponding to self-care in health was the most important aspect highlighted by the students. Conclusions: wearable can help to establish essential practical and personal experience which can be directly associated with bodily processes, resulting in improve the arduous work of teaching and learning human physiology even in a remote work context using an appropriate guide.