HoloAnatomy® Research Findings

Preliminary studies on HoloAnatomy® suggest gains in efficiency, retention, and engagement. Across multiple peer-reviewed and partner studies, students learning with mixed-reality reported stronger comprehension, higher engagement, and equal or better assessment outcomes compared to traditional cadaver-only methods.

This page provides summaries of key findings with direct links to original research.

Key Findings at a Glance

  • Reduced study time by up to one-third without sacrificing learning outcomes.

  • Retention increased by up to 40% compared to dissection-only cohorts.

  • Boosted engagement across behavioral, emotional, and cognitive dimensions.

  • Stronger comprehension and confidence when supplementing dissection

Four people wearing XR headsets around a holographic medical model of a human body, with a doctor explaining, in a gray room.

Study Summaries

Transforming Anatomy Education with Mixed Reality

At Jagiellonian University, 97% of first-year medical students reported improved anatomical understanding and 90% felt better prepared for dissection labs after using HoloAnatomy®

👉 Transforming Anatomy Education with Mixed Reality: A Curriculum-Based Study Using a Holographic Anatomy

Mixed-Reality as a Supplement to Cadaveric Dissection

Students learning breast anatomy with HoloAnatomy retained information 40% better eight months later and reported MR was easier for teamwork.

👉 Comparing learning retention in medical students using mixed-reality to supplement dissection

Remote Anatomy Education with Mixed Reality

84% of students believed anatomy can be effectively learned remotely via MR, with 81% citing advantages like flexibility and study space.

👉 Assessment of Mixed-Reality Technology Use in Remote Online Anatomy Education

Time Efficiency vs. Cadaveric Dissection

Students required ~4.6 hours with HoloAnatomy vs. 7.3 hours (1/3 less) in cadaver lab, achieving similar exam results.

👉 Mixed reality as a time-efficient alternative to cadaveric dissection

Comparative Effectiveness Study

Exam scores were statistically equivalent between MR and cadaver groups, validating HoloAnatomy as an effective alternative.

👉 Mixed Reality Anatomy Using Microsoft HoloLens and Cadaveric Dissection: A Comparative Effectiveness Study

Student Engagement

Mixed reality increased engagement (curiosity, participation, responsiveness) and reduced signs of disengagement compared to traditional methods.

👉 Student Engagement Using HoloLens Mixed-Reality Technology in Human Anatomy Laboratories for Osteopathic Medical Students: an Instructional Model

While these studies suggest meaningful benefits of mixed-reality in anatomy education, most were conducted with limited sample sizes and within specific curricular contexts. Results may vary by institution, content area, and implementation.

From Research to Practice

The studies above show how mixed-reality anatomy learning can reduce study time, improve retention, and boost engagement. HoloAnatomy® .NEXT™ brings these benefits to today’s classrooms with an immersive platform built for faculty and students.

Ready to see how HoloAnatomy® .NEXT™ could fit into your curriculum and extend these research findings into your own programs?