Virtual Reality in medical education improves functional knowledge and visuo-spatial skills in a cohort of Italian Residents in Physical and Rehabilitative Medicine

In the education of the residents in physical and rehabilitation medicine, the functional anatomy plays a key role. In particular, it is important to carry out a clinical examination or to identify through the palpation the bone landmarks for injections. However, traditional frontal lectures rely on 2D images do not allow for interactive learning. In this context, Virtual Reality (VR) is emerging as powerful educational tools in medical training. AIM: This study investigates the impact of VR on anatomical knowledge acquisition and user satisfaction among residents in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: The enrollment was performed in the Physical and Rehabilitative Medicine residency school of the University of Parma. POPULATION: Medical residents specializing in Physical and Rehabilitative Medicine at the University of Parma. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial, 25 medical residents were assigned to either a VR group (n = 13) or a control group (n = 12). The MR group attended 30-minute lectures, while the control group attended traditional slide-based lectures. Participants completed a questionnaire on general, functional, and spatial knowledge, as well as satisfaction. RESULTS: The VR group achieved significantly higher scores in total knowledge (M = 62.5, SD = 10.61 vs. M = 49.96, SD = 11.20; p = 0.009), functional knowledge (p = 0.003), and spatial knowledge (p = 0.027). Control group achieved significantly higher scores in general knowledge (p = 0.021). Satisfaction scores were significantly higher in the MR group (p = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS: MR-based lectures significantly enhance functional and spatial anatomical knowledge and is well received by residents. This could lead to a positive effect on clinical skills of future physiatrists, improving the diagnostic and therapeutic abilities. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: The improvement of visuospatial skills through innovative education may have a positive impact in clinical examination and interventional procedures