Comparing the efficacy of virtual reality versus traditional model-based learning methods of anatomy; a perspective of physical therapy students

Abstract

Background: Anatomy is a major subject taught in early foundation years of medical education which provide information regarding the basic structure of body and their spatial relationship. Initially students learnt anatomy by the visual images on textbooks, atlas, cadavers and 3D models of body structures in labs. However, as the digital world is advancing, and the virtual reality has created an environment of computer-based learning which has created multidimensional model for learning anatomy through immersive or semi-immersive methods. This study was designed to compare the efficacy of virtual reality versus traditional model-based learning methods of anatomy among the physiotherapy students.

Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study conducted over a period of 1 month on undergraduate physical therapy students at Rehman College of Rehabilitation Sciences. 142 students of 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd year were included in the study through universal sampling. After the approval from the principal of the college the participants were approached, and their informed consent was taken. The 23-item questionnaire was distributed among the participants. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 22. Percentages and frequencies were used to present demographics and graphically presented by bar chart. To find association between independent and dependent variables, Chi square test was applied.

Results: The response rate was 87.3 % out of which 72.6% were females while 24.7% were males having mean age ± 20.2 ± 1.37 and majorly 38.1% students were from 1^st year. On average 34.43% and 39.82% students agree regarding the perception of learning through virtual method and traditional method of anatomy respectively. Between the group there was no significance regarding which method of learning was better for students (p value = 0.5) and no association was found with independent variables (age, gender, and year of study).

Conclusion: The use of VR is as effective as traditional model method of leaning anatomy among physical therapy students however, professionally trained faculty could play a better role in understanding of anatomy learning.