Development and Pilot User Study of a VR Anatomy Visualization Application

Abstract

Understanding human anatomy is often challenging for medical students. Existing learning methods, such as textbook diagrams and large cadaveric models, can be costly and may not effectively connect theoretical knowledge with practical understanding, leaving some students insufficiently prepared for real-world clinical contexts. With advances in computer technologies, particularly Virtual Reality (VR), new approaches to delivering educational content are being explored in medical education. To examine the potential of VR for anatomy learning, we developed and conducted a pilot study in which seven participants used Anaorthopedic VR, a VR application developed for this research to allow users to visualize and interact with human anatomy in a virtual environment. Participants reported a generally positive experience, highlighting the application’s ease of use and its potential to support learning. However, the findings are limited by the sample size and the diversity of users. Overall, the results suggest that VR shows promise as a tool for supporting anatomy education, though further studies with more representative participant groups are needed.