Immersive virtual reality for acupuncture knowledge and practical skills: a comparative educational study

Background – Acupuncture education requires mastery of complex theoretical concepts and psychomotor skills, yet conventional teaching often struggles to bridge the gap between abstract knowledge and hands-on application. This study evaluated the association of an immersive virtual reality-based acupuncture training system, PainEaseVR, with posttest learning outcomes when used as a supplement to conventional acupuncture education. Methods – A stratified, randomized, posttest comparison study was conducted with 60 third-year undergraduate students majoring in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Participants were assigned to either an experimental group using PainEaseVR (n = 30) or a control group receiving conventional instruction (n = 30). Both groups completed 12 h of instruction, including 6 h of theoretical teaching and 6 h of practical training. Learning outcomes were assessed using a 12-item theoretical knowledge test, an 18-indicator practical skills assessment, and an 11-item student feedback questionnaire. Results – The VR group achieved higher scores in theoretical knowledge (M = 10.08, SD = 0.99) than the traditional group (M = 9.04, SD = 1.31). The VR group also outperformed the traditional group in practical skills (M = 32.52, SD = 2.28 vs. M = 28.62, SD = 2.77). Students in the VR group reported higher satisfaction, engagement, and confidence across all feedback items. Conclusion – PainEaseVR appears to be a promising supplementary tool for acupuncture education. The findings suggest that VR was associated with higher scores in acupuncture knowledge and practical skills, as well as a more engaging learning experience, within the context of this posttest comparison study.