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. 2023 Mar 23;33(2):507-516.
doi: 10.1007/s40670-023-01774-3. eCollection 2023 Apr.

Virtual Reality as a Complementary Learning Tool in Anatomy Education for Medical Students

Mariana da Cruz Torquato  1 , Julia Miranda Menezes  1 , Gianluca Belchior  1 , Felipe Prediger Mazzotti  1 , Julia Souza Bittar  1 , Gabriela Guimarães Rodrigues Dos Santos  1 , Thiago Muñoz Ruiz  1 , Welbert de Oliveira Pereira  1 , Angela Tavares Paes  1
Affiliations

Virtual Reality as a Complementary Learning Tool in Anatomy Education for Medical Students

Mariana da Cruz Torquato et al. Med Sci Educ. .

Abstract

Virtual reality seems to be a promising tool to improve the study of anatomy; however, its efficacy compared to traditional methods remains unclear. This randomized experimental study included 42 first-semester medical students enrolled in a Morphology discipline, divided into two groups. Each group was interchangeably assigned to use virtual reality plus traditional methods or traditional methods alone in a four-section crossover design. Participants' scores in four distinct tests were compared between groups, as well as a motivation questionnaire. The results showed that virtual reality does not provide significant increase on scores neither short-, medium-, and long-term analysis. Nonetheless, in the motivation questionnaire, participants agreed virtual reality provides a better tridimensional view of the human body and therefore is a potential complementary tool when learning anatomy. We conclude virtual reality does not seem to have an impact on academic performance, but it was perceived as an engaging and promising complementary tool for the study of anatomy.

Keywords: Anatomy; Knowledge retention; Medical education; Virtual reality.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing InterestsThe authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Student during a VR immersion session. The computer showcases the structure the student is interacting with the VR apparel during a study session. Terms and Conditions for Image Use were signed and permission to image use was given
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Flow diagram of the interchange assignment through the phases of the study
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Agreement of the students with the 12 sentences in the Motivation Questionnaire
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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