AzTrials
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Anatomy EducationTEACHANATOMYIINCT06552195

Anatomy Learning With a 3D Platform on Personal Devices, Augmented Reality, or Traditional Resources

A study testing Learning platform, then traditional resources, Traditional resources, then learning platform and Augmented reality, then traditional resources in people with Anatomy Education and Augmented Reality, run by Balgrist University Hospital at 1 site in Switzerland.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

TEACHANATOMY II compared three ways of learning shoulder and hip anatomy among first-year medical students: a three-dimensional (3D) learning platform on personal devices, head-mounted augmented reality (AR), and curated traditional learning resources. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 25 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
What is being tested?
Learning platform, then traditional resources, Traditional resources, then learning platform and Augmented reality, then traditional resources
Type of treatment
Pill or oral medicine
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
148 participants
Where
1 siteSwitzerland
Study dates
1 Oct 2024to 31 Dec 2025
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

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 to 25 years
  • All sexes
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Adult

Who may be able to join

  • Medical students attending the 1st or 2nd year of undergraduate medical education
  • Must not have prior anatomical education

Who cannot join

  • Epilepsy
  • Binocular vision disorder such as strabismus
  • Current head and/or neck injuries
  • Inflammation of the scalp and/or eye
  • Amputations or partial amputations of the hands

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Switzerland1 site
  • Balgrist University Hospital

    Zurich, 8008

Other trials in Switzerland

About this study

Official title: Three-Dimensional Anatomy Learning on Personal Devices, Head-Mounted Augmented Reality, and Traditional Study Resources: The TEACHANATOMY II Randomized Crossover Trial

TEACHANATOMY II compared three ways of learning shoulder and hip anatomy among first-year medical students: a three-dimensional (3D) learning platform on personal devices, head-mounted augmented reality (AR), and curated traditional learning resources. Both digital methods used identical 3D models created from photogrammetric scans of dissected body donor specimens. Each participant learned two consecutive anatomy modules with two different methods. Knowledge was assessed with a written test at the end of each module; study time and workload were secondary outcomes.

Read the detailed description

The study was planned as a crossover comparison of head-mounted AR (Magic Leap 2) and traditional learning. Because providing headsets for the entire cohort was not financially feasible, a 3D learning platform on personal devices (smartphone, tablet, computer) delivering identical content was added before the start of the first module, and AR was limited to 10 participants per module. Participants were allocated by a computer-generated sequence stratified by sex, and each participant used a different method in each module (shoulder module November-December 2024, hip module January-February 2025). The comparison between the learning platform and traditional learning became the principal comparison; comparisons involving AR are exploratory. The originally planned practical test, 3-month follow-up test and adverse symptom questionnaire were not conducted.

Being tested
Learning platform, then traditional resources, Traditional resources, then learning platform, Augmented reality, then traditional resources, Traditional resources, then augmented reality, Augmented reality, then learning platform
Keywords
Anatomy teaching, Augmented reality, Magic leap, spaced repetition, digital learning, retention rate

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Learning platform, then traditional resourcesOther

    Participants studied the shoulder module with the 3D learning platform on personal devices and, after a 17-day interval, the hip module with curated traditional learning resources.

    Interventions: 3D learning platform on personal devices; Curated traditional learning resources

  • Traditional resources, then learning platformOther

    Participants studied the shoulder module with curated traditional learning resources and, after a 17-day interval, the hip module with the 3D learning platform on personal devices.

    Interventions: Curated traditional learning resources; 3D learning platform on personal devices

  • Augmented reality, then traditional resourcesOther

    Participants studied the shoulder module with head-mounted augmented reality and, after a 17-day interval, the hip module with curated traditional learning resources.

    Interventions: Head-mounted augmented reality; Curated traditional learning resources

  • Traditional resources, then augmented realityOther

    Participants studied the shoulder module with curated traditional learning resources and, after a 17-day interval, the hip module with head-mounted augmented reality.

    Interventions: Curated traditional learning resources; Head-mounted augmented reality

  • Augmented reality, then learning platformOther

    Participants studied the shoulder module with head-mounted augmented reality and, after a 17-day interval, the hip module with the 3D learning platform on personal devices.

    Interventions: Head-mounted augmented reality; 3D learning platform on personal devices

  • Learning platform, then augmented realityOther

    Participants studied the shoulder module with the 3D learning platform on personal devices and, after a 17-day interval, the hip module with head-mounted augmented reality.

    Interventions: 3D learning platform on personal devices; Head-mounted augmented reality

Study groups in NCT06552195
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Head-mounted augmented realityExperimentalAugmented reality application displayed on Magic Leap 2 headsets (Magic Leap, Plantation, FL, USA), available only on site at the university, where participants could use them at a time of their choice. Content consists of the same textured 3D models of the shoulder or hip created by photogrammetry of dissected body donor specimens, with the same annotations, explanatory text and learning algorithm (retrieval practice and spaced repetition) as the learning platform on personal devices. Participants received an introduction to the headset and application and could attend two optional guided learning sessions per week. Because of headset availability, this intervention was limited to 10 participants per module.
Receives: Other: Augmented reality, then traditional resources; Other: Traditional resources, then augmented reality; Other: Augmented reality, then learning platform; Other: Learning platform, then augmented reality
Curated traditional learning resourcesExperimentalPackage of traditional learning materials compiled by the study team before the start of each module and provided to participants. It contained selected textbook and atlas chapters (including Via medici, Kenhub, Groscurth and Prometheus), videos, graphics and images covering the same learning objectives as the digital interventions. No 3D models from the study and no learning algorithm were provided. Participants received an introduction to the materials and could attend two optional guided learning sessions per week. They could study with the materials at any time and place.
Receives: Other: Learning platform, then traditional resources; Other: Traditional resources, then learning platform; Other: Augmented reality, then traditional resources; Other: Traditional resources, then augmented reality
3D learning platform on personal devicesExperimentalWeb-based anatomy learning platform (Augmedi AG, Zollikon, Switzerland) used on the participant's own smartphone, tablet or computer at any time and place. Content consists of textured 3D models of the shoulder or hip created by photogrammetry of dissected body donor specimens, with annotated anatomical structures and explanatory text aligned with the module learning objectives. A built-in learning algorithm based on retrieval practice and spaced repetition schedules the review of structures according to the learner's answers. Participants received an introduction to the platform and could attend two optional guided learning sessions per week. The learning content is identical to the head-mounted augmented reality intervention; only the delivery device and access differ.
Receives: Other: Learning platform, then traditional resources; Other: Traditional resources, then learning platform; Other: Augmented reality, then learning platform; Other: Learning platform, then augmented reality

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Knowledge test score

    30-item multiple-choice exam covering shoulder or hip anatomy (skeletal structures, muscles, ligaments, nerves, and vascular supply)

    Measured: End of each study phase (after completion of the 3-week shoulder or hip anatomy learning module)

  2. Perceived workload (adapted NASA-TLX)

    Perceived workload will be assessed using the NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX), a validated multidimensional questionnaire comprising six domains: mental demand, physical demand, temporal demand, performance, effort, and frustration.

    Measured: During each learning session and at the end of each 3-week study phase

Secondary outcomes (5)
  1. Time spent in scheduled learning sessions

    Time spent in scheduled learning sessions

    Measured: Throughout each 3-week study phase

  2. Time spent in self-directed learning

    Time spent in self-directed learning

    Measured: Throughout each 3-week study phase

  3. Total preparation time

    Sum of time spent in scheduled and self-directed learning.

    Measured: Throughout each 3-week study phase

  4. Learning efficiency

    Preparation time required per examination point achieved (minutes per examination point).

    Measured: At the end of each 3-week study phase

  5. Participant feedback

    User experience and satisfaction with the assigned learning modality

    Measured: End of each 3-week study phase

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted13 Aug 2024
  2. Study start1 Oct 2024
  3. Primary completion31 Dec 2025
  4. Study completion31 Dec 2025

Resources

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
Crossover
Model description
Two-period crossover with three learning methods. Each participant used two different methods in two consecutive anatomy modules (shoulder, then hip). Allocation was stratified by sex; AR was limited to 10 participants per module.
Masking
None (open label)
Enrolment
148 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT06552195
Sponsor's protocol ID
TEACHANATOMY 2.0
Other IDs
Req-2024-01164
Acronym
TEACHANATOMYII
Status last verified
Oct 2024
First submitted
9 Aug 2024
Last updated
22 Oct 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Yes: De-identified individual participant data underlying the published results are available on reasonable request, subject to participant consent and institutional approval.

Publications

  • Stromberga Z, Phelps C, Smith J, Moro C. Teaching with Disruptive Technology: The Use of Augmented, Virtual, and Mixed Reality (HoloLens) for Disease Education. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2021;1317:147-162. doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-61125-5_8.

    PubMed 33945136
  • Bolek KA, De Jong G, Henssen D. The effectiveness of the use of augmented reality in anatomy education: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sci Rep. 2021 Jul 27;11(1):15292. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-94721-4.

    PubMed 34315955
  • Chytas D, Johnson EO, Piagkou M, Mazarakis A, Babis GC, Chronopoulos E, Nikolaou VS, Lazaridis N, Natsis K. The role of augmented reality in Anatomical education: An overview. Ann Anat. 2020 May;229:151463. doi: 10.1016/j.aanat.2020.151463. Epub 2020 Jan 21.

    PubMed 31978568
  • Curran VR, Xu X, Aydin MY, Meruvia-Pastor O. Use of Extended Reality in Medical Education: An Integrative Review. Med Sci Educ. 2022 Dec 19;33(1):275-286. doi: 10.1007/s40670-022-01698-4. eCollection 2023 Feb.

    PubMed 36569366
  • Gsaxner C, Li J, Pepe A, Jin Y, Kleesiek J, Schmalstieg D, Egger J. The HoloLens in medicine: A systematic review and taxonomy. Med Image Anal. 2023 Apr;85:102757. doi: 10.1016/j.media.2023.102757. Epub 2023 Jan 21.

    PubMed 36706637
  • McBain KA, Habib R, Laggis G, Quaiattini A, M Ventura N, Noel GPJC. Scoping review: The use of augmented reality in clinical anatomical education and its assessment tools. Anat Sci Educ. 2022 Jul;15(4):765-796. doi: 10.1002/ase.2155. Epub 2022 Jan 19.

    PubMed 34800073
  • Moro C, Birt J, Stromberga Z, Phelps C, Clark J, Glasziou P, Scott AM. Virtual and Augmented Reality Enhancements to Medical and Science Student Physiology and Anatomy Test Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Anat Sci Educ. 2021 May;14(3):368-376. doi: 10.1002/ase.2049. Epub 2021 Feb 26.

    PubMed 33378557
  • Navab N, Martin-Gomez A, Seibold M, Sommersperger M, Song T, Winkler A, Yu K, Eck U. Medical Augmented Reality: Definition, Principle Components, Domain Modeling, and Design-Development-Validation Process. J Imaging. 2022 Dec 23;9(1):4. doi: 10.3390/jimaging9010004.

    PubMed 36662102
  • Stojanovska M, Tingle G, Tan L, Ulrey L, Simonson-Shick S, Mlakar J, Eastman H, Gotschall R, Boscia A, Enterline R, Henninger E, Herrmann KA, Simpson SW, Griswold MA, Wish-Baratz S. Mixed Reality Anatomy Using Microsoft HoloLens and Cadaveric Dissection: A Comparative Effectiveness Study. Med Sci Educ. 2019 Nov 15;30(1):173-178. doi: 10.1007/s40670-019-00834-x. eCollection 2020 Mar.

    PubMed 34457656
  • Uruthiralingam U, Rea PM. Augmented and Virtual Reality in Anatomical Education - A Systematic Review. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2020;1235:89-101. doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-37639-0_5.

    PubMed 32488637
  • Moro C, Stromberga Z, Raikos A, Stirling A. The effectiveness of virtual and augmented reality in health sciences and medical anatomy. Anat Sci Educ. 2017 Nov;10(6):549-559. doi: 10.1002/ase.1696. Epub 2017 Apr 17.

    PubMed 28419750

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Learning platform, then traditional resources, Traditional resources, then learning platform and Augmented reality, then traditional resources in people with Anatomy Education and Augmented Reality, run by Balgrist University Hospital at 1 site in Switzerland.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 2 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 22 Oct 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Switzerland. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Knowledge test score (time frame: End of each study phase (after completion of the 3-week shoulder or hip anatomy learning module)). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT06552195, which also lists 11 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 22 Oct 2026.

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