Methods
BLIND
A real RCT where students could take part as researchers and/or participants as the main UR strategy was undertaken. The aim of the RCT was to evaluate the effectiveness of a superficial neuromodulation device developed by an external private company (© 2020 Irmoki). However, the true aim of the study reported here, to which students taking part were blind, was to evaluate the effect of the implementation of UR (through a teaching and learning strategy that included the design and active participation of students in an RCT) as described earlier.First-year students of the Bachelor’s Degree in Physiotherapy and the Bachelor’s double Degree in Physiotherapy and Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, who were enrolled in the subject ‘Introduction to Research Methodology’ at University of Deusto during the course 2021-22 were invited to participate in the study. The lectures are taught by two lecturers in three different languages (Basque, Spanish, and English). One lecturer was in charge of one group (the Basque group), whereas the other lecturer led the Spanish and English groups. The number of students for both lecturers was very similar, and they were strictly coordinated to teach in parallel, sharing content, teaching methods, schedule, and evaluation system. Indeed, the subject of “Biostatistics” was also shared between both of them. Finally, they can be considered as active researchers (publishing articles, leading projects and attending congresses) in their background of musculoskeletal and respiratory physiotherapy area, respectively.It is worth mentioning that the University of Deusto implemented the Degree in Physiotherapy in the academic year 2020–2021. The emerging academic frame allowed the early integration of UR thanks to a curriculum designed according to guidelines set by experts [For the sake of clarity, two types of procedures have been distinguished: first, those related to RCT procedures, and then those related to UR programme implementation.