Abstract: Objective To improve the clinical thinking ability and operating skills of undergraduates majored in rehabilitation therapy. Methods Fifteen students were chosen as test group and taught with case-based learning (CBL) combined with problem-based learning (PBL), while fifteen students from the same grade were chosen as control group and taught with routine teaching method. PBL method helped to remind basic knowledge while CBL helped to teach clinical thinking and operating skills. Their performance were compared after practice.Results The scores were significantly higher in the test group than in the control group (t>6.235, P<0.001).Conclusion CBL combined with PBL was helpful to consolidate the basic knowledge and operating skills, and worked effectively in the orthopedic practice for rehabilitation therapy.

Key words: case-based learning, problem-based learning, rehabilitation therapy specialty