Suitability of YouTube Videos for Learning Knee Stability Tests: A Cross-sectional Review.

OBJECTIVE

To verify the suitability and reliability of YouTube videos pertaining to the 5 most commonly used knee stability tests for educational purposes.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional observational study.

SETTING

YouTube videos were categorized into 2 groups according to their sources: professional and nonprofessional groups. Only videos that satisfied the purpose and procedure parts among comprehensiveness scores were defined as suitable for educational purposes. For evaluating the reliability, the modified DISCERN was used. One-way analysis of variance and Kruskal-Wallis test were used to compare continuous and categorical variables, respectively.

PARTICIPANTS

Research on YouTube videos (N=218) from November 13, 2019, to November 17, 2019, was done using the following keywords: "anterior drawer test knee," "Lachman test knee," "posterior drawer test," "valgus knee test," and "varus knee test."

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Comprehensiveness score that focused on the purpose, procedure, interpretation, and limitations or precautions of the test were developed by the authors, and modified DISCERN score.

RESULTS

In terms of the suitability for educational purposes, 126 videos (58%) were classified into the suitable group, and 92 (42%) were classified into the unsuitable group. Neither group had significantly more views, views per posting days, likes, dislikes, or posting days. When comparing the comprehensiveness and reliability scores of each group, significant differences between groups were identified. Only 47 videos met the limitations/precautions category. A total of 155 videos (71%) were from the professional group and 63 videos (29%) were from the nonprofessional group. Significant differences were found in views, views per posting days, likes, and dislikes between the professional group and nonprofessional group.

CONCLUSIONS

YouTube should not be used for learning about knee stability tests. Professionals, especially those in rehabilitation medicine, should pay more attention to uploading high-quality videos with reliable content.