AnxietyNCT07521033
Development and Assessment of a 360° Video-Based Virtual Reality Application to Enhance Medical Students' Preparation for Initial Cadaver Dissection
A study testing A 360° video-based virtual reality application in people with Anxiety and Stress, run by Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar at 1 site in Qatar.
Trial summary
For many medical students, their first experience with cadaver dissection can be stressful and emotionally challenging. This study developed a 360° video-based virtual reality (VR) application to allow students to explore the anatomy lab and understand the dissection process before their first session. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
- What is being tested?
- A 360° video-based virtual reality application
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 43 participants
- Where
- 1 siteQatar
- Study dates
- 12 Aug 2025to 28 Aug 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 years and older
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- First-year medical students at Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar for the 2025-26 academic year
- Participants must be aged 18 years or older.
Who cannot join
- Students who decline the invitation to participate in the study.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
For many medical students, their first experience with cadaver dissection can be stressful and emotionally challenging. This study developed a 360° video-based virtual reality (VR) application to allow students to explore the anatomy lab and understand the dissection process before their first session.
The study compared students who used the VR experience with those who received traditional preparation methods. It examined whether the VR tool reduced anxiety and improved students' emotional readiness before and during their first cadaver dissection. The findings aimed to determine whether this immersive technology could make the learning experience more comfortable and supportive for students
Read the detailed description
For many medical students, the first experience of working with a human cadaver is a significant milestone in their training. While cadaver dissection is an essential part of learning human anatomy, it can also be associated with feelings of anxiety, discomfort, and emotional stress. These reactions may affect students' confidence, engagement, and overall learning experience during the early stages of their medical education.
In recent years, advances in educational technology have introduced new ways to support student learning. One such approach is the use of immersive virtual reality (VR), including 360° video, which allows users to explore real environments in an interactive and realistic way. This technology has the potential to prepare students for unfamiliar or challenging experiences by giving them a preview of what to expect in a safe and controlled setting.
This study was designed to develop and evaluate a 360° video-based virtual reality application aimed at helping medical students prepare for their first cadaver dissection session. The VR application provided students with a realistic view of the anatomy laboratory environment, including the layout of the space, the presence of cadavers, and an overview of the dissection process. The goal was to familiarize students with the setting in advance, reduce uncertainty, and support emotional readiness.
The study addressed the question of whether this VR-based preparation could reduce students' anxiety and improve their emotional preparedness compared to traditional preparation methods. Anxiety levels were assessed using a standardized and widely used questionnaire (the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory), along with additional self-reported measures of emotional readiness.
Participants in the study were medical students preparing for their first cadaver dissection experience. They were divided into two groups. One group used the 360° VR application as part of their preparation, while the other group received standard preparation, which typically included conventional orientation to the anatomy laboratory. This allowed for a direct comparison between the new technology-based approach and existing teaching practices.
The study followed students over time, collecting data at multiple stages, including before their first dissection session, during the early dissection experience, and after further exposure to the anatomy course. This longitudinal approach made it possible to evaluate not only the immediate effects of the VR intervention but also its impact during the actual dissection experience.
The main outcomes of the study were students' levels of anxiety and their self-reported emotional preparedness. By comparing these outcomes between the two groups, the study aimed to determine whether the VR application was effective in reducing stress and improving students' readiness for this important educational experience.
The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the growing field of technology-enhanced medical education. If effective, the use of 360° VR could offer a practical and scalable way to support students as they transition into hands-on learning environments. This approach may help create a more positive and supportive introduction to cadaver-based anatomy education, ultimately enhancing both student well-being and learning outcomes.
- Being tested
- A 360° video-based virtual reality application
- Keywords
- Virtual Reality, Dissection, Anatomy, Anxiety, Educational technology
- Medical subject headings
- Anxiety Disorders
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
A 360° video-based virtual reality applicationBehavioural
A 360° video-based virtual reality application providing immersive, real-world simulation of the anatomy laboratory environment and cadaver dissection process for pre-dissection orientation
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| 360° Virtual reality Dissection Preparation | Experimental | Participants in this group received access to a 360° video-based virtual reality application designed to prepare them for their first cadaver dissection. The VR experience allowed students to explore the anatomy laboratory environment and observe the dissection process prior to their initial session. This intervention was provided in addition to the standard preparation activities. Outcomes included measures of anxiety and self-reported emotional preparedness assessed before and during the dissection experience. Receives: Behavioral: A 360° video-based virtual reality application |
| Standard Anatomy Laboratory Preparation | Active comparator | Participants in this group received the usual preparation for their first cadaver dissection, which included traditional orientation to the anatomy laboratory and standard instructional materials, without exposure to the VR application. Outcomes included measures of anxiety and self-reported emotional preparedness assessed at the same time points as the intervention group. Receives: Behavioral: A 360° video-based virtual reality application |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in state anxiety levels measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-State) from baseline to prior to first cadaver dissection
State-Trait Anxiety Inventory was used to measure level of anxiety. The instrument contains 40 items measuring two related yet distinct anxiety dimensions: State Anxiety (SA) and Trait Anxiety (TA). Each dimension comprises 20 items that generate separate numerical scores. Both SA and TA scores range from 20 to 80, with higher values indicating elevated anxiety levels.
Measured: From baseline (prior to intervention) to immediately post-intervention (after completion of the 360° VR experience for the intervention group and equivalent time point for the control group)
Secondary outcomes (1)
Change in state anxiety levels measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-State) across multiple time points (baseline, post-intervention, and post-dissection)
State-Trait Anxiety Inventory was used to measure level of anxiety. The instrument contains 40 items measuring two related yet distinct anxiety dimensions: State Anxiety (SA) and Trait Anxiety (TA). Each dimension comprises 20 items that generate separate numerical scores. Both SA and TA scores range from 20 to 80, with higher values indicating elevated anxiety levels.
Measured: From baseline (pre-intervention) to immediately post-intervention, immediately after the first cadaver dissection session, and 7 days after the start of dissection sessions
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted9 Apr 2026
- Study start12 Aug 2025
- Primary completion28 Aug 2025
- Study completion28 Aug 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for AnxietyStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
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
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 43 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Mange Festo Manyama, Doctor of Medicine, Principal investigator, Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07521033
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 25-00015
- Status last verified
- Apr 2026
- First submitted
- 2 Apr 2026
- Last updated
- 9 Apr 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 reported results will be shared. This will include participants' responses to the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory across all study time points (baseline, post-intervention, post-dissection, and follow-up). Relevant demographic variables (e.g., gender) necessary to interpret the findings will also be included. All data will be fully anonymized, with any personally identifiable information removed prior to sharing.
Publications
Al-Sheikhly D, Ahmed Elmagarmid K, Ali Hammami M, Roger Dargham S, Festo Manyama M. 360 degrees Video-Based Virtual Reality for Preparing Medical Students for Body Donor Dissection: Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Form Res. 2026 Jun 8;10:e95423. doi: 10.2196/95423.
PubMed 42258369
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 9 Apr 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Development and Assessment of a 360° Video-Based Virtual Reality Application to Enhance Medical Students' Preparation for Initial Cadaver Dissection
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07521033
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 25-00015
- Keywords
- Virtual Reality, Dissection, Anatomy, Anxiety, Educational technology
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 43 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Weill Cornell Medical College in QatarUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 12 Aug 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 28 Aug 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 28 Aug 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 9 Apr 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
For many medical students, their first experience with cadaver dissection can be stressful and emotionally challenging. This study developed a 360° video-based virtual reality (VR) application to allow students to explore the anatomy lab and understand the dissection process before their first session.
The study compared students who used the VR experience with those who received traditional preparation methods. It examined whether the VR tool reduced anxiety and improved students' emotional readiness before and during their first cadaver dissection. The findings aimed to determine whether this immersive technology could make the learning experience more comfortable and supportive for students
Detailed description
For many medical students, the first experience of working with a human cadaver is a significant milestone in their training. While cadaver dissection is an essential part of learning human anatomy, it can also be associated with feelings of anxiety, discomfort, and emotional stress. These reactions may affect students' confidence, engagement, and overall learning experience during the early stages of their medical education.
In recent years, advances in educational technology have introduced new ways to support student learning. One such approach is the use of immersive virtual reality (VR), including 360° video, which allows users to explore real environments in an interactive and realistic way. This technology has the potential to prepare students for unfamiliar or challenging experiences by giving them a preview of what to expect in a safe and controlled setting.
This study was designed to develop and evaluate a 360° video-based virtual reality application aimed at helping medical students prepare for their first cadaver dissection session. The VR application provided students with a realistic view of the anatomy laboratory environment, including the layout of the space, the presence of cadavers, and an overview of the dissection process. The goal was to familiarize students with the setting in advance, reduce uncertainty, and support emotional readiness.
The study addressed the question of whether this VR-based preparation could reduce students' anxiety and improve their emotional preparedness compared to traditional preparation methods. Anxiety levels were assessed using a standardized and widely used questionnaire (the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory), along with additional self-reported measures of emotional readiness.
Participants in the study were medical students preparing for their first cadaver dissection experience. They were divided into two groups. One group used the 360° VR application as part of their preparation, while the other group received standard preparation, which typically included conventional orientation to the anatomy laboratory. This allowed for a direct comparison between the new technology-based approach and existing teaching practices.
The study followed students over time, collecting data at multiple stages, including before their first dissection session, during the early dissection experience, and after further exposure to the anatomy course. This longitudinal approach made it possible to evaluate not only the immediate effects of the VR intervention but also its impact during the actual dissection experience.
The main outcomes of the study were students' levels of anxiety and their self-reported emotional preparedness. By comparing these outcomes between the two groups, the study aimed to determine whether the VR application was effective in reducing stress and improving students' readiness for this important educational experience.
The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the growing field of technology-enhanced medical education. If effective, the use of 360° VR could offer a practical and scalable way to support students as they transition into hands-on learning environments. This approach may help create a more positive and supportive introduction to cadaver-based anatomy education, ultimately enhancing both student well-being and learning outcomes.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| 360° Virtual reality Dissection Preparation | Experimental | Behavioral: A 360° video-based virtual reality applicationParticipants in this group received access to a 360° video-based virtual reality application designed to prepare them for their first cadaver dissection. The VR experience allowed students to explore the anatomy laboratory environment and observe the dissection process prior to their initial session. This intervention was provided in addition to the standard preparation activities. Outcomes included measures of anxiety and self-reported emotional preparedness assessed before and during the dissection experience. |
| Standard Anatomy Laboratory Preparation | Active comparator | Behavioral: A 360° video-based virtual reality applicationParticipants in this group received the usual preparation for their first cadaver dissection, which included traditional orientation to the anatomy laboratory and standard instructional materials, without exposure to the VR application. Outcomes included measures of anxiety and self-reported emotional preparedness assessed at the same time points as the intervention group. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (2 listed)
- First-year medical students at Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar for the 2025-26 academic year
- Participants must be aged 18 years or older.
Key exclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Students who decline the invitation to participate in the study.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| A 360° video-based virtual reality applicationA 360° video-based virtual reality application providing immersive, real-world simulation of the anatomy laboratory environment and cadaver dissection process for pre-dissection orientation | Behavioural | 360° Virtual reality Dissection Preparation, Standard Anatomy Laboratory Preparation |
Primary outcome
Change in state anxiety levels measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-State) from baseline to prior to first cadaver dissection
Time frame: From baseline (prior to intervention) to immediately post-intervention (after completion of the 360° VR experience for the intervention group and equivalent time point for the control group)
State-Trait Anxiety Inventory was used to measure level of anxiety. The instrument contains 40 items measuring two related yet distinct anxiety dimensions: State Anxiety (SA) and Trait Anxiety (TA). Each dimension comprises 20 items that generate separate numerical scores. Both SA and TA scores range from 20 to 80, with higher values indicating elevated anxiety levels.
1 secondary outcome
Change in state anxiety levels measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-State) across multiple time points (baseline, post-intervention, and post-dissection)
Time frame: From baseline (pre-intervention) to immediately post-intervention, immediately after the first cadaver dissection session, and 7 days after the start of dissection sessions
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 9 Apr 2026.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 42258369Al-Sheikhly D, Ahmed Elmagarmid K, Ali Hammami M, Roger Dargham S, Festo Manyama M. 360 degrees Video-Based Virtual Reality for Preparing Medical Students for Body Donor Dissection: Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Form Res. 2026 Jun 8;10:e95423. doi: 10.2196/95423.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. De-identified individual participant data underlying the reported results will be shared. This will include participants' responses to the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory across all study time points (baseline, post-intervention, post-dissection, and follow-up). Relevant demographic variables (e.g., gender) necessary to interpret the findings will also be included. All data will be fully anonymized, with any personally identifiable information removed prior to sharing.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Mange Festo Manyama, Doctor of Medicine principal investigator
Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing A 360° video-based virtual reality application in people with Anxiety and Stress, run by Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar at 1 site in Qatar.
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 1 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 9 Apr 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 Qatar. 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?
Change in state anxiety levels measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-State) from baseline to prior to first cadaver dissection (time frame: From baseline (prior to intervention) to immediately post-intervention (after completion of the 360° VR experience for the intervention group and equivalent time point for the control group)). 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 NCT07521033, which also lists 1 linked publication.
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 9 Apr 2026; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 6 Nov 2026.