Augmenting mental imagery for robotic surgery using neurofeedback: results of a randomized controlled trial

Mental imagery (MI) can enhance surgical skills. Research has shown that through brain-computer interface (BCI), it is possible to provide feedback on MI strength. We hypothesized that adding BCI to MI training would enhance robotic skill acquisition compared with controls.

Surgical novices were recruited. At baseline, participants completed the Mental Imagery Questionnaire (MIQ) and the Vandenburg Mental Rotation Test (MRT). Students also performed several tasks on a robotic simulator. Participants were stratified based on MIQ and robotic skill and randomized into three groups: controls, MI, and MI and BCI training. All participants completed five 2-h training sessions. One hour was devoted to practicing robotic skill on the simulator. Additionally, controls completed crosswords for one hour, the MI group completed MI training and crosswords for one hour, and the MI + BCI group completed MI training and MI-related BCI training. Following training, participants completed the same baseline assessments. A Kruskal-Wallis test was used to determine differences between groups. Mann-Whitney U tests were performed to determine specific differences between groups.

Twenty-seven undergraduates participated. There were post-test differences on the MRT and knot tying task. Sub-analyses revealed that the MI + BCI group significantly outperformed the other groups on knot tying. There were no appreciable differences between the control and MI groups on any measures.

Augmenting MI training with BCI led to significantly enhanced MI and robotic skill acquisition than traditional MI or robotic training methods. To optimize surgical skill acquisition in robotic and other surgical skills curricula, educators should consider utilizing MI with BCI training.