Adapting Motor Imagery Training Protocols to Surgical Education: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Neuroscience
• Surgical Training

Background:

• Motor imagery (MI) is a validated technique for skill enhancement in sports and neurorehabilitation.
• Its application in surgical education is emerging, necessitating defined protocol characteristics.
• Systematic review and meta-analysis are employed to evaluate existing MI training for surgical skills.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify key characteristics of motor imagery (MI) protocols for effective implementation in surgical curricula.
• To synthesize evidence on the impact of MI training on surgical outcomes.
• To guide the development of standardized MI training programs for surgeons.

Main Methods:

• Systematic search of PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO databases.
• Inclusion of 39 studies with 2251 participants for meta-analysis after screening 456 records.
• Primary outcome: impact of MI training; secondary outcomes: population, intervention, measures, and self-rated ability.

Main Results:

• Motor imagery (MI) was associated with improved outcomes in 35 out of 60 studies.
• Pooled analysis demonstrated a significant standardized mean difference of 0.39 (P = .005) favoring MI.
• Optimal MI protocols featured parallel delivery, flexibility, relaxation, and repeated practice sessions.

Conclusions:

• Motor imagery (MI) training shows significant efficacy in improving surgical outcomes.
• Recommended protocols include parallel delivery with existing training, relaxation, and repetitive MI practice.
• MI offers a low-cost, low-risk adjunct for enhancing surgical practical skills.