Using the Mind as a Simulator: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Mental Training

TY - JOUR

T1 - Using the Mind as a Simulator

T2 - A Randomized Controlled Trial of Mental Training

AU - Eldred-Evans, David

AU - Grange, Philippe

AU - Cheang, Adrian

AU - Yamamoto, Hidekazu

AU - Ayis, Salma

AU - Mulla, Mubashir

AU - Immenroth, Marc

AU - Sharma, Davendra

AU - Reedy, Gabriel

PY - 2013/7

Y1 - 2013/7

N2 - Objectives Laparoscopic simulators have been introduced as safe and effective methods of developing basic skills. Mental training is a novel training method likened to using the mind as a simulator to mentally rehearse the movements of a task or operation. It is widely used by professional athletes and musicians and has been suggested as a technique that could be used by surgical trainees. The purpose of this study was to assess the use of mental training in developing basic laparoscopic skills in novices. Methods Sixty-four medical students without laparoscopic experience were randomized into 4 groups. The first 3 groups were trained to cut a circle on a box trainer. Group 1 received no additional training (BT), Group 2 received additional virtual reality training (BT + VRS), and Group 3 received additional mental training (BT + MT). The fourth group was trained on a virtual reality simulator with additional mental training (box-free). The following 4 assessment criterias: time, accuracy, precision and overall performance were measured on both the box-trainer and virtual simulator. Results The mental training group (BT + MT) demonstrated improved laparoscopic skills over both assessments. The improvement in skills in the VRS group (BT VRS) was limited to VRS assessment and not observed in the box assessment. The fourth group (box-free) had the worst performance on both methods of assessment. Conclusions The addition of mental training led to improved laparoscopic skills development. It is a flexible technique and has the potential to challenge VRS as a more cost-effective training method associated with lower capital investment. Given the benefits of mental training with further research, it could be considered for inclusion in training curricula.

AB - Objectives Laparoscopic simulators have been introduced as safe and effective methods of developing basic skills. Mental training is a novel training method likened to using the mind as a simulator to mentally rehearse the movements of a task or operation. It is widely used by professional athletes and musicians and has been suggested as a technique that could be used by surgical trainees. The purpose of this study was to assess the use of mental training in developing basic laparoscopic skills in novices. Methods Sixty-four medical students without laparoscopic experience were randomized into 4 groups. The first 3 groups were trained to cut a circle on a box trainer. Group 1 received no additional training (BT), Group 2 received additional virtual reality training (BT + VRS), and Group 3 received additional mental training (BT + MT). The fourth group was trained on a virtual reality simulator with additional mental training (box-free). The following 4 assessment criterias: time, accuracy, precision and overall performance were measured on both the box-trainer and virtual simulator. Results The mental training group (BT + MT) demonstrated improved laparoscopic skills over both assessments. The improvement in skills in the VRS group (BT VRS) was limited to VRS assessment and not observed in the box assessment. The fourth group (box-free) had the worst performance on both methods of assessment. Conclusions The addition of mental training led to improved laparoscopic skills development. It is a flexible technique and has the potential to challenge VRS as a more cost-effective training method associated with lower capital investment. Given the benefits of mental training with further research, it could be considered for inclusion in training curricula.

KW - mental training

KW - mental practice

KW - education

KW - laparoscopy

KW - VIRTUAL-REALITY SIMULATOR

KW - SURGICAL EDUCATION

KW - MOTOR-SKILLS

KW - PERFORMANCE

KW - SURGEONS

KW - ACQUISITION

U2 - 10.1016/j.jsurg.2013.04.003

DO - 10.1016/j.jsurg.2013.04.003

M3 - Article

SN - 1931-7204

VL - 70

SP - 544

EP - 551

JO - Journal Of Surgical Education

JF - Journal Of Surgical Education

IS - 4

ER -