VR vs Classical Anatomy Teaching (VrISt)

Comparison of PlayStation VR2-Based Virtual Reality vs. Classical Method in Teaching Wrist Anatomy: A Randomized Controlled Study

This is a prospective, single-center, randomized controlled educational trial comparing the effectiveness of PlayStation VR2-based immersive virtual reality (VR) anatomy teaching versus classical (lecture/atlas/3D-model) teaching for wrist anatomy among first-year medical students at Kyrenia University Dr. Suat Gunsel Hospital. Eighty healthy adult students will be randomized 1:1 into a VR Group (30-35-minute PSVR2 wrist anatomy module delivered on PlayStation 5) or a Classical Group (30-35-minute faculty-led standard anatomy education using lecture, atlas, and 3D anatomical models). The primary outcome is immediate post-test knowledge score (multiple-choice questions plus visual labeling; 0-30 scale). Secondary outcomes include a 2-4-week retention test, Likert-type learning satisfaction (15-75), cognitive load (0-10), and incidence and severity of VR-related side effects (dizziness, nausea, eye strain; 0-3 ordinal). Outcome assessors are blinded to allocation. The study aims to evaluate whether immersive VR is non-inferior or superior to classical teaching for initial acquisition and short-term retention of wrist anatomy knowledge, while characterizing tolerability of consumer-grade VR in an educational setting.

Study Overview

• Status: Recruiting
• Conditions: Medical Education; Anatomy Education
• Intervention / Treatment: Other: VR-based virtual reality anatomy module; Other: Standard classroom anatomy lecture

Detailed Description

This prospective, two-arm parallel randomized controlled educational study evaluates whether PlayStation VR2-based immersive virtual reality improves wrist anatomy knowledge acquisition and retention compared to classical anatomy teaching in first-year medical students.

Background: Carpal anatomy presents significant spatial complexity, making it one of the most challenging regions for early medical students. Three-dimensional visualization tools have shown promise in anatomy education; however, no study has evaluated consumer-grade immersive VR (PlayStation VR2) as a standalone teaching intervention in this domain.

Study Design: Participants are randomized 1:1 via computer-generated allocation to either the VR Group or the Classical Group. Randomization is performed centrally prior to the educational session.

Interventions:

VR Group: 30-35 minute wrist anatomy module delivered via PlayStation 5 console and PlayStation VR2 headset, allowing interactive 3D exploration of carpal bones and surrounding structures.

Classical Group: 30-35 minute standardized faculty-led anatomy session using lecture slides, anatomical atlas, and 3D bone models.

Assessments:

Pre-test (10 MCQ, 0-10): Administered before intervention to assess baseline knowledge; used as covariate in ANCOVA.

Post-test (30 points: 20 MCQ + 10-point visual labeling): Administered immediately after intervention.

Retention test (same format as post-test): Administered 2-4 weeks after intervention.

Learning satisfaction questionnaire (15-item Likert scale, researcher-developed): Administered post-session.

Cognitive load scale (3 items, 0-10 NRS): Administered post-session. VR Side Effect Screening (VR group only): Dizziness, nausea, eye strain, discomfort - 4-level ordinal scale.

Statistical Analysis: Primary analysis will use ANCOVA with post-test score as the dependent variable, group as the fixed factor, and pre-test score as the covariate. Independent samples t-test or Mann-Whitney U will be used for secondary continuous outcomes. Statistical significance is set at α=0.05 (two-tailed). All analyses will follow intention-to-treat principles.

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Estimated): 80
• Phase: Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

• Study Contact: Name: Utku Gurhan, md; Phone Number: +905391126898; Email: utkugrhn@gmail.com

Study Locations

• Cyprus
  • Kyrenia, Cyprus
    • Recruiting
    • Dr. Suat Gunsel University of Kyrenia Hospital
  • Keryneia
    • Kyrenia, Keryneia, Cyprus, 60000
      • Completed
      • Dr. Suat Gunsel University of Kyrenia Hospital

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Adult; Older Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• First-year medical student at Kyrenia University
• Age ≥ 18 years
• Voluntary participation
• Signed written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• First-year medical student at Kyrenia University
• Age ≥ 18 years
• Voluntary participation
• Signed written informed consent

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Other
• Allocation: Randomized
• Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
• Masking: Single

Number of Arms

2

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm	Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: VR Group; 30-35-minute wrist anatomy education delivered via PlayStation 5 console with PlayStation VR2 headset using an immersive interactive wrist anatomy module.	Other: VR-based virtual reality anatomy module; Immersive interactive wrist anatomy education delivered on PlayStation 5 with PlayStation VR2 headset; 30-35 minutes.
Active Comparator: Classical Group; 30-35-minute faculty-led standard anatomy education covering wrist anatomy using didactic lecture, printed anatomical atlas, and a 3D anatomical model.	Other: Standard classroom anatomy lecture; Faculty-led didactic anatomy lecture on wrist anatomy using printed atlas and 3D anatomical model; 30-35 minutes.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Post-test knowledge score	Knowledge assessment combining multiple-choice questions (MCQ) and a visual labeling task scored on a 0-30 scale; higher scores indicate better knowledge acquisition.	Immediately after intervention (same day)

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Retention test score	Delayed knowledge retention assessment using MCQ plus visual labeling, identical format to post-test; 0-30 scale.	2-4 weeks after intervention
Learning satisfaction score	Participant-reported learning satisfaction using a 15-item Likert-type questionnaire; total score 15-75 where higher scores indicate greater satisfaction	Immediately after intervention
Cognitive load score	Self-reported subjective cognitive load on a 0-10 scale (0 = no load, 10 = maximum load).	Immediately after intervention
VR-related side effects	Ordinal assessment of dizziness, nausea, and eye strain, each rated 0 (none) to 3 (severe).	Immediately after intervention

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: University of Kyrenia

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): May 15, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): June 1, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): August 1, 2026

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: April 16, 2026
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: April 26, 2026
• First Posted (Actual): April 30, 2026

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): May 26, 2026
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: May 20, 2026
• Last Verified: May 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: virtual reality; medical students; anatomy education; wrist anatomy
• Other Study ID Numbers: ETK-26 GL-0077

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: UNDECIDED

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No