AI-Assisted Feedback for Learning Standardized Tuina Skills

The goal of this educational study is to determine whether personalized feedback generated using sensor data and generative artificial intelligence (AI) can improve the learning of standardized Tuina skills among rehabilitation trainees. Tuina is a form of manual therapy that requires learners to control the location, force, rhythm, and consistency of their hand movements. A total of 81 rehabilitation trainees will be randomly assigned to one of three training groups: AI-supported personalized feedback, sensor-based data feedback without AI-generated recommendations, or traditional instructor feedback. All groups will receive the same standardized demonstration, training tasks, practice duration, and number of practice sessions. The main question is whether trainees receiving AI-supported personalized feedback achieve better retention of standardized Tuina skills four weeks after training. The researchers will also compare immediate skill performance, force and rhythm control, transfer of skills to a related task, learning efficiency, self-efficacy, cognitive load, satisfaction, and the safety and acceptability of AI-generated feedback. Skill performance will be assessed using a blinded Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) and objective sensor-based measurements. The study activities will be conducted using a mechanical simulation model and a pressure-sensing system, rather than on patients.