Extended reality and MRI case modules boost anatomy retention in med students over two years

Prospective study in 128 first-year medical students found XR/MRI-based case modules significantly improved anatomy test scores from 3.9→6.2 (Cohort 1) and 4.3→7.6 (Cohort 2), with knowledge retained at 8 weeks (p<0.01). No significant decay between immediate and delayed tests.

• Design: Prospective repeated-measures quasi-experimental study across two consecutive cohorts (n=61 + n=67).
• Intervention: Web-based XR cases integrating 3D models and MRI highlighting anatomical variations/anomalies in gross anatomy lab.
• Primary result: Large effect sizes (partial η²=0.616 and 0.691) with significant pre-to-post improvement and robust 8-week retention in both cohorts.

Single-institution study; external validity across diverse curricula not assessed.

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