Training Effects of Visual Stroboscopic Impairment on Surgical Performance: A Randomized-Controlled Trial

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Training
• Human Factors Engineering

Background:

• Surgical training demands high dexterity and proficiency.
• Advances in surgical training aim to accelerate skill acquisition.
• Novice surgeons require effective methods to enhance technical skills.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of limited visual input on surgical proficiency in novice surgeons.
• To assess the learning effects of stroboscopic eyewear during surgical skill acquisition.
• To determine if intermittently impaired vision enhances surgical training.

Main Methods:

• Prospective randomized-controlled study with 22 adult medical students (11 experimental, 11 control).
• Experimental group wore stroboscopic glasses; control group had normal vision.
• Participants performed standardized surgical tasks (knot tying, suturing) for 5 weeks; anxiety and workload were assessed.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in knot-tying skills between groups.
• Stroboscopic eyewear group showed significantly improved performance in simple interrupted and running sutures.
• The stroboscopic group reported significantly lower NASA Task Load Index scores.

Conclusions:

• Regular training with stroboscopic glasses positively impacts novice surgical trainees' technical skills, particularly for complex suturing.
• Intermittently impaired vision training is beneficial for early surgical education.
• Stroboscopic training may enhance dexterity and reduce perceived workload in surgical residents.