The study conducted at the CUNY (City University of New York) School of Medicine evaluates the efficacy of Avatar Medical’s virtual reality (VR) technology in anatomy education by comparing it to traditional methods such as cadaver dissection videos, anatomical models, and lectures. Results of this study demonstrate that VR significantly enhances student engagement, confidence, and satisfaction while providing notable improvements to motivation and overall learning experience. Student motivation was assessed using a revised version of the Instructional Materials Motivation Survey (rIMMS), specifically adapted for VR learning. By enabling real-time interaction with 3D anatomical structures, VR offers an immersive and intuitive approach to studying osteology and muscular attachments of the lower limb and pelvis.  

The study further reveals that while both VR and traditional methods contribute to memory retention, VR is most effective as a complementary tool rather than a full replacement. Specifically, students in the traditional learning group with prior anatomy experience demonstrated slightly higher improvements in knowledge scores compared to those using VR alone. This suggests that VR enhances learning outcomes most effectively when integrated alongside established methods, such as cadaver dissection videos and anatomical models. These findings highlight the transformative potential of VR technology, particularly with Avatar Medical, in enriching medical education and supporting the next generation of healthcare professionals.