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. 2010 Aug;72(4):327-30.
doi: 10.1007/s12262-010-0118-0. Epub 2010 Nov 16.

Performance on a virtual reality angled laparoscope task correlates with spatial ability of trainees

Rachel Rosenthal, Christian Hamel, Daniel Oertli, Nicolas Demartines, Walter A Gantert

Performance on a virtual reality angled laparoscope task correlates with spatial ability of trainees

Rachel Rosenthal et al. Indian J Surg. 2010 Aug.

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether trainees' performance on a virtual reality angled laparoscope navigation task correlates with scores obtained on a validated conventional test of spatial ability. 56 participants of a surgery workshop performed an angled laparoscope navigation task on the Xitact LS 500 virtual reality Simulator. Performance parameters were correlated with the score of a validated paper-and-pencil test of spatial ability. Performance at the conventional spatial ability test significantly correlated with performance at the virtual reality task for overall task score (p < 0.001), task completion time (p < 0.001) and economy of movement (p = 0.035), not for endoscope travel speed (p = 0.947). In conclusion, trainees' performance in a standardized virtual reality camera navigation task correlates with their innate spatial ability. This VR session holds potential to serve as an assessment tool for trainees.

Keywords: Education; Laparoscopy; Spatial ability.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
a LS 500 Simulator. The LS 500 Xitact virtual patient laparoscopy simulator was used for the presented test series. b Spatial ability test [6]. Out of cube A-H the cube must be selected that could correspond to the given cube x if it was mentally rotated. Correct answer = C
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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