The use and efficacy of an innovative virtual reality application in teaching the mechanism of labor: A randomized controlled trial

Background: In practice, the comprehensibility of physiological events necessitates adequate visualization. VR can provide a comprehensive learning environment that enhances the understanding of mechanisms and anatomical structures' three-dimensional relationships, which are difficult to observe from the outside. Nonetheless, evidence supporting its use in midwifery education is scant in the literature. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the 'Virtual Reality Technology Labor Mechanism Application (VRT-LMA)' developed for teaching the cardinal movements of the baby during the first and second stages of birth in midwifery education. Methods: The study was conducted in a single-blind, randomized manner. Sixty-one midwifery students taking childbirth courses were divided into experimental (n = 30) and control (n = 31) groups. The experimental group received VRT-LMA, the control group received traditional training. After six weeks, both groups were given a posttest. Results: The post-test score of the experimental group was statistically significant compared to the control group (p < .05). Conclusion: VRT-LMA training helped increase students' knowledge levels and aided in the retention of information. It will be suitable for supplementing traditional teaching methods. (c) 2025 International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.