Fine motor and sensory proficiency: implications for simulator-based surgical assessments

Simulation technologies have advanced surgical education by enhancing motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and sensory acuity. This study examines correlations between sensory-motor skills and surgical simulator performance.

The cross-sectional and observational study included fifty medical doctors without surgical experience. Assessments included the McKinnon two-point discrimination test, the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test, and the Nine-Hole Peg test. Performance scores for forceps, anti-tremor, and bimanual training modules were recorded using the Eyesi Surgical Simulator (VRmagic^®, Mannheim, Germany).

The mean age was 28.6 ± 4.4 years, with 28 females and 22 males. The mean value of McKinnon's two-point static discrimination test was 3.08 ± 0.72 mm, the Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament test was 2.42 ± 0.29 inches, and the Nine-Hole Peg Test mean completion time was 19.04 ± 2.60 seconds. Two-point discrimination test showed a significant negative correlation with bimanual training module scores within the 95% confidence interval (r =-0.41, p = 0.0027) but weak, non-significant correlations with forceps module (r = -0.23, p = 0.101) and anti-tremor modules (r = -0.10; p = 0.505). Monofilament test scores showed no significant correlations with simulator modules. The Nine-Hole Peg test correlated significantly with bimanual performance (r =-0.42, p = 0.002 and weakly with forceps scores (r =-0.24, p = 0.090).

Simulation devices enhance surgical training by identifying sensory-motor deficits and adapting training. Motor skill and sensory acuity are associated with better bimanual performance and emphasize individualized approaches for optimal outcomes.