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Abstract

Introduction: Poster sessions are a widely used method of knowledge dissemination at professional conferences, yet their effectiveness in promoting engagement and knowledge transfer is uncertain. Traditional poster formats often follow a dense, text-heavy structure that may contribute to cognitive overload. Billboard-style posters, grounded in Cognitive Load Theory, offer an alternative design intended to enhance clarity and engagement.

Methods: This case report describes a three-year implementation (2022–2024) of billboard-style posters at the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy Annual Conference. Attendees were invited to complete a brief survey after viewing either traditional or billboard-style posters. The survey assessed engagement (time spent reading and interacting), knowledge transfer (clarity and clinical relevance), and cognitive load. A total of 147 posters were evaluated (72 traditional, 75 billboard-style). Data were analyzed using independent samples t-tests and Mann-Whitney U tests.

Results: Attendees spent significantly more time reading billboard-style posters (mean = 7.22 minutes, p = .028) and rated them as significantly clearer in presentation (p = .019). There was a trend toward higher perceived clinical relevance for billboard posters (p = .056), though not statistically significant. No significant differences were found in perceived cognitive load or research rigor.

Discussion: These findings suggest that poster design influences attendee engagement and perceived clarity. Billboard-style posters may offer advantages in promoting interaction and effective communication. As scientific communication evolves, poster design should be considered a strategic component of knowledge translation in health sciences education.

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