Medical EducationVrIStNCT07558551
VR vs Classical Anatomy Teaching
A study testing VR-based virtual reality anatomy module and Standard classroom anatomy lecture in people with Medical Education and Anatomy Education, run by University of Kyrenia at 2 sites in Cyprus.
Trial summary
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. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Medical Education, Anatomy Education
- What is being tested?
- VR-based virtual reality anatomy module and Standard classroom anatomy lecture
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 80 participants
- Where
- 2 sitesCyprus
- Study dates
- 15 May 2026to Aug 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- First-year medical student at Kyrenia University
- Age ≥ 18 years
- Voluntary participation
- Signed written informed consent
Who cannot join
- First-year medical student at Kyrenia University
- Age ≥ 18 years
- Voluntary participation
- Signed written informed consent
Trial locations and contacts
2 sites in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Cyprus2 sites, 1 recruiting
- Completed
Dr. Suat Gunsel University of Kyrenia Hospital
Kyrenia, Keryneia, 60000
- Recruiting
Dr. Suat Gunsel University of Kyrenia Hospital
Kyrenia
About this study
Official title: 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.
Read the 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.
- Conditions
- Medical Education, Anatomy Education
- Being tested
- VR-based virtual reality anatomy module, Standard classroom anatomy lecture
- Keywords
- virtual reality, anatomy education, medical students, wrist anatomy
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
VR-based virtual reality anatomy moduleOther
Immersive interactive wrist anatomy education delivered on PlayStation 5 with PlayStation VR2 headset; 30-35 minutes.
Standard classroom anatomy lectureOther
Faculty-led didactic anatomy lecture on wrist anatomy using printed atlas and 3D anatomical model; 30-35 minutes.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| VR Group | Experimental | 30-35-minute wrist anatomy education delivered via PlayStation 5 console with PlayStation VR2 headset using an immersive interactive wrist anatomy module. Receives: Other: VR-based virtual reality anatomy module |
| Classical Group | Active comparator | 30-35-minute faculty-led standard anatomy education covering wrist anatomy using didactic lecture, printed anatomical atlas, and a 3D anatomical model. Receives: Other: Standard classroom anatomy lecture |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
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.
Measured: Immediately after intervention (same day)
Secondary outcomes (4)
Retention test score
Delayed knowledge retention assessment using MCQ plus visual labeling, identical format to post-test; 0-30 scale.
Measured: 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
Measured: Immediately after intervention
Cognitive load score
Self-reported subjective cognitive load on a 0-10 scale (0 = no load, 10 = maximum load).
Measured: Immediately after intervention
VR-related side effects
Ordinal assessment of dizziness, nausea, and eye strain, each rated 0 (none) to 3 (severe).
Measured: Immediately after intervention
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted30 Apr 2026
- Study start15 May 2026
- Primary completionJun 2026 (estimated)
- Study completionAug 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Medical EducationStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Two parallel arms: PSVR2-based VR anatomy vs. classical anatomy teaching, allocated 1:1
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Investigator
- Enrolment
- 80 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Kyrenia
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Utku Gürhan, University of Kyrenia
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07558551
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- ETK-26 GL-0077
- Acronym
- VrISt
- Status last verified
- May 2026
- First submitted
- 16 Apr 2026
- Last updated
- 26 May 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided