A randomized trial of training the non-dominant upper extremity to enhance laparoscopic performance.
Publication year
2012Source
Minimally Invasive Therapy & Allied Technologies, 21, 4, (2012), pp. 259-264ISSN
Annotation
1 juli 2012
Publication type
Article / Letter to editor

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Organization
Gynaecology
Neurology
Journal title
Minimally Invasive Therapy & Allied Technologies
Volume
vol. 21
Issue
iss. 4
Page start
p. 259
Page end
p. 264
Subject
DCN MP - Plasticity and memory; NCEBP 12: Human Reproduction; NCEBP 12: Human ReproductionAbstract
Abstract Introduction: In laparoscopy, the surgeon's dominant arm will execute difficult tasks with less effort compared to the non-dominant arm. This leads to a relative overuse of muscles on this side. We hypothesized that training the non-dominant arm would improve laparoscopic skills. Material and methods: At baseline, all participants performed three validated tasks on a virtual reality simulator. After randomization, subjects in the intervention group were assigned training tasks. All these tasks had to be performed with the non-dominant hand. Within a week after a three-week study period, participants performed the same three tasks as before. Results: Twenty-six participants were included, 13 in each group. At baseline, there were no differences between groups on all tested parameters. Compliance to training tasks was good. At the end of three weeks, subjects in both groups showed similar improvement of skills on the non-dominant side. On the dominant side, however, subjects in the training group showed significant better improvement of skills on four out of eight parameters. Conclusion: Specific training of the non-dominant upper extremity appears to lead to improvement of skills on the dominant side, a phenomenon known in literature as intermanual transfer of skill learning. To improve laparoscopic skills, bimanual training is recommended.
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- Academic publications [204994]
- Faculty of Medical Sciences [81051]
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