Implementing Cognitive Training Into a Surgical Skill Course: A Pilot Study on Laparoscopic Suturing and Knot Tying

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. 625-635 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin De Witte ◽  
Franck Di Rienzo ◽  
Xavier Martin ◽  
Ye Haixia ◽  
Christian Collet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Training ◽  
Spatial Orientation ◽  
Mental Workload ◽  
Surgical Skills ◽  
Training Period ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Surgical Skill ◽  
Knot Tying ◽  
Laparoscopic Suturing ◽  
Skill Group

Mini-invasive surgery—for example, laparoscopy—has challenged surgeons’ skills by extending their usual haptic space and displaying indirect visual feedback through a screen. This may require new mental abilities, including spatial orientation and mental representation. This study aimed to test the effect of cognitive training based on motor imagery (MI) and action observation (AO) on surgical skills. A total of 28 postgraduate residents in surgery took part in our study and were randomly distributed into 1 of the 3 following groups: (1) the basic surgical skill, which is a short 2-day laparoscopic course + MI + AO group; (2) the basic surgical skill group; and (3) the control group. The MI + AO group underwent additional cognitive training, whereas the basic surgical skill group performed neutral activity during the same time. The laparoscopic suturing and knot tying performance as well as spatial ability and mental workload were assessed before and after the training period. We did not observe an effect of cognitive training on the laparoscopic performance. However, the basic surgical skill group significantly improved spatial orientation performance and rated lower mental workload, whereas the 2 others exhibited lower performance in a mental rotation test. Thus, actual and cognitive training pooled together during a short training period elicited too high a strain, thus limiting potential improvements. Because MI and AO already showed positive outcomes on surgical skills, this issue may, thus, be mitigated according to our specific learning conditions. Distributed learning may possibly better divide and share the strain associated with new surgical skills learning.

Differences in practice behaviours between expert musicians and non-musicians when learning a basic surgical skill

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 19
Author(s):  
Gilles Comeau ◽  
Jillian Beacon ◽  
Erin Dempsey ◽  
Mikael Swirp ◽  
Fady Balaa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Motor Skills ◽  
Daily Practice ◽  
Musical Instrument ◽  
Fine Motor ◽  
Instructional Video ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Suitable Model ◽  
Surgical Skill ◽  
Knot Tying ◽  
And Performance

Background: Researchers have hypothesized that years of daily practice on a musical instrument may lead to increased efficiency in practice behaviours during the learning of other fine motor skills [1]. Practice strategies in music have also been considered a suitable model for surgical training [2] and some believe that surgical outcomes might be improved by adopting musicians’ practice strategies [3].Objective: This study examines the practice behaviours of expert musicians attempting to learn a basic surgical skill, as a way to detect possible transfer of practice habits across domains. This paper investigates whether musicians differ from a control group in their selection and application of practice strategies, whether there are relationships between the choice of practice behaviours and performance scores, whether musicians progress more rapidly through the different phases of learning and, whether relationships exist between those who reach automaticity sooner and their choice of practice behaviours.Methods: Participants’ practice sessions during a knot-tying task (taught via instructional video) were video-recorded and treated according to the method of thematic analysis [4]. Coding was performed by two evaluators through an iterative process and statistical and descriptive analyses were conducted on practice behaviours. Information was also collected on instructional video navigation so that the use of replay, pause, rewind or fast-forward could be investigated.Results: Musicians and the control group participants favoured different practice behaviours; this was demonstrated in their choice of strategies, the importance they gave to each strategy, and the way they used the strategies over the two practice sessions. There was evidence that the group of expert musicians applied better practice strategies as the choice of practice behaviours correlated positively with performance scores and their capacity to reach automaticity.Conclusion: Our results suggest that music experts may be applying practice strategies developed during their music studies when learning a novel surgical skill. This raised the possibility that practice skills developed through years of dedicated work at their musical instrument, might be transferable when learning a motor skill in a different domain.

scholarly journals Does error feedback improve the learning of a simple surgical skill?

2014 ◽  
Vol 96 (8) ◽  
pp. e1-e4
Author(s):  
S Nagala ◽  
R Brar ◽  
GA Phillips ◽  
C Van Wyk ◽  
M Lee
Keyword(s):  
Detrimental Effect ◽  
Surgical Skills ◽  
Working Time ◽  
Error Feedback ◽  
Surgical Skill ◽  
Knot Tying ◽  
Surgical Trainees ◽  
European Working ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Training Opportunities

The European Working Time regulations (EWTr) have led to a decrease in training opportunities for surgical trainees in the uk. it is therefore imperative that effciency of training is optimised to enable trainees to attain procedural competence within their curtailed training period. Workplace-based assessments are central to the intercollegiate Surgical curriculum Programme. These tools are important as not only do they give a formal way of assessing the trainee but they also trigger formal feedback of performance. The importance of feedback in learning surgical skills has been highlighted for procedures ranging from simple subcuticular suturing 1 and knot tying 2 to more complex vascular anastomoses 3 and laparoscopic work. 4 lack of feedback has been shown previously to have a detrimental effect on learning. 5

Investigating the Impact of Cognitive Training for Individuals With Bothersome Tinnitus: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
pp. 019459982199474
Author(s):  
Maggie Xing ◽  
Dorina Kallogjeri ◽  
Jay F. Piccirillo
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Cognitive Training ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Functional Index ◽  
Open Label ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
The Impact

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of cognitive training in improving tinnitus bother and to identify predictors of patient response. Study Design Prospective open-label randomized controlled trial. Setting Online. Methods Participants were adults with subjective idiopathic nonpulsatile tinnitus causing significant tinnitus-related distress. The intervention group trained by using auditory-intensive exercises for 20 minutes per day, 5 days per week, for 8 weeks. The active control group trained on the same schedule with non–auditory intensive games. Surveys were completed at baseline, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks. Results A total of 64 participants completed the study. The median age was 63 years (range, 25-69) in the intervention group and 61 years (34-68) in the control group. Mixed model analysis revealed that within-subject change in Tinnitus Functional Index in the intervention group was not different than the control group, with marginal mean differences (95% CI): 0.24 (–11.20 to 10.7) and 2.17 (–8.50 to 12.83) at 8 weeks and 2.33 (–8.6 to 13.3) and 3.36 (–7.91 to 14.6) at 12 weeks, respectively. When the 2 study groups were compared, the control group had higher Tinnitus Functional Index scores than the intervention group by 10.5 points at baseline (95% CI, –0.92 to 29.89), 8.1 at 8 weeks (95% CI, –3.27 to 19.42), and 9.4 at 12 weeks (95% CI, –2.45 to 21.34). Conclusion Auditory-intensive cognitive training was not associated with changes in self-reported tinnitus bother. Given the potential for neuroplasticity to affect tinnitus, we believe that future studies on cognitive training for tinnitus remain relevant.

scholarly journals The effects of combined cognitive training on prospective memory in older adults with mild cognitive impairment

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yifan Chen ◽  
Wei Zhou ◽  
Zijing Hong ◽  
Rongrong Hu ◽  
Zhibin Guo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Cognitive Training ◽  
Prospective Memory ◽  
Training Group ◽  
Strategy Training ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Executive Function Training ◽  
Encoding Strategy

AbstractThis study aimed to assess the effects of combined cognitive training on prospective memory ability of older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). A total of 113 participants were divided into a control group and three intervention groups. Over three months, the control group received only community education without any training, whereas for the first six weeks, an executive function training group received executive function training, a memory strategy training group received semantic encoding strategy training, and the combined cognitive training group received executive function training twice a week for the first six weeks, and semantic encoding strategy training twice a week for the next six weeks. The combined cognitive training group showed improvement on the objective neuropsychological testing (Montreal Cognitive Assessment scale). The memory strategy training group showed improvement on the self-evaluation scales (PRMQ-PM). Combined cognitive training improved the prospective memory and cognitive function of older adults with MCI.

scholarly journals 400 - Effects of Computerized Cognitive Training with an Elderly Community Sample

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (S1) ◽  
pp. 116-116
Author(s):  
M Pires ◽  
A Antunes ◽  
C Gameiro ◽  
C Pombo
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Training ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Community Sample ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Intensive Training ◽  
Before And After

Community-focused programs that promote active and healthy aging can help preserve cognitive capacities, prevent or reverse cognitive deficits. Computer-based cognitive training (CCT) is a promising non-pharmacological, cost -effective and accessible intervention to face the effects of age-related cognitive decline. Previous studies proved CCT to have equal or better efficacy compared to traditional interventions. This comparative multifactorial study aims to test the efficacy of a CCT in a non-randomized community sample of 74 older adults: G1-CCT Experimental group (n=43) (Mean age M=72.21, SD=12.65) and G2- Paper-Pencil Control group (n=31; M=77.94, SD=10.51). Pensioners (97.3%), mostly women (83.8 %) with basic education (51.4%) and without dementia diagnosis, completed a cognitive training program of 17 or 34 group sessions (twice a week). G2 undertook a classic cognitive paper-pencil stimuli tasks. G1, performed, additionally, individual CCT with COGWEB® in a multimodal format (intensive training of attention, calculation, memory, gnosis, praxis, executive functions). Both groups completed Portuguese versions of Mini -Mental State Examination (MMSE),Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA); Geriatric Depressive Scale (GDS); Mini Dependence Assessment (MDA); WHOOQL 5 and Social Support Satisfaction Scale (ESSS) before and after participating in the program. Both groups reported better post-test scores on basic cognitive functions (MMSE, MOCA), Depression symptoms (GDS-30), subjective well-being and quality of life (WHOOQL-5). G1 presented higher MOCA and lower GDS scores before and after CCT, although, group differences become less expressive when interaction effects are considered. Results are in line with findings from past studies, CCT supported by the new technologies, is as a relevant cost-effective therapeutic tool for health professionals working with older adults. Particularly for preventive purposes of neuro-cognitive disorders.

scholarly journals Effects of multi-domain cognitive training on working memory retrieval in older adults: behavioral and ERP evidence from a Chinese community study

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiangfei Hong ◽  
You Chen ◽  
Jijun Wang ◽  
Yuan Shen ◽  
Qingwei Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Training Program ◽  
Cognitive Training ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Training Group ◽  
Event Related Potential ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Baseline Session

AbstractWorking memory (WM) is a fundamental cognitive function that typically declines with age. Previous studies have shown that targeted WM training has the potential to improve WM performance in older adults. In the present study, we investigated whether a multi-domain cognitive training program that was not designed to specifically target WM could improve the behavioral performance and affect the neural activity during WM retrieval in healthy older adults. We assigned healthy older participants (70–78 years old) from a local community into a training group who completed a 3-month multi-domain cognitive training and a control group who only attended health education lectures during the same period. Behavioral and electroencephalography (EEG) data were recorded from participants while performing an untrained delayed match or non-match to category task and a control task at a pre-training baseline session and a post-training follow-up session. Behaviorally, we found that participants in the training group showed a trend toward greater WM performance gains than participants in the control group. Event-related potential (ERP) results suggest that the task-related modulation of P3 during WM retrieval was significantly enhanced at the follow-up session compared with the baseline session, and importantly, this enhancement of P3 modulation was only significant in the training group. Furthermore, no training-related effects were observed for the P2 or N2 component during WM retrieval. These results suggest that the multi-domain cognitive training program that was not designed to specifically target WM is a promising approach to improve WM performance in older adults, and that training-related gains in performance are likely mediated by an enhanced modulation of P3 which might reflect the process of WM updating.

scholarly journals Automation of surgical skill assessment using a three-stage machine learning algorithm

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joël L. Lavanchy ◽  
Joel Zindel ◽  
Kadir Kirtac ◽  
Isabell Twick ◽  
Enes Hosgor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Machine Learning ◽  
Learning Algorithm ◽  
Surgical Skills ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Machine Learning Algorithms ◽  
Surgical Instruments ◽  
Skill Assessment ◽  
Surgical Skill ◽  
Surgical Skill Assessment ◽  
Motion Features

AbstractSurgical skills are associated with clinical outcomes. To improve surgical skills and thereby reduce adverse outcomes, continuous surgical training and feedback is required. Currently, assessment of surgical skills is a manual and time-consuming process which is prone to subjective interpretation. This study aims to automate surgical skill assessment in laparoscopic cholecystectomy videos using machine learning algorithms. To address this, a three-stage machine learning method is proposed: first, a Convolutional Neural Network was trained to identify and localize surgical instruments. Second, motion features were extracted from the detected instrument localizations throughout time. Third, a linear regression model was trained based on the extracted motion features to predict surgical skills. This three-stage modeling approach achieved an accuracy of 87 ± 0.2% in distinguishing good versus poor surgical skill. While the technique cannot reliably quantify the degree of surgical skill yet it represents an important advance towards automation of surgical skill assessment.

Computerized Cognitive Training with Learning Disabled Students: A Pilot Study

1992 ◽  
Vol 71 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. 1347-1356 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Talbot ◽  
M. Pépin ◽  
M. Loranger
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Training Program ◽  
Cognitive Training ◽  
Cognitive Skills ◽  
Mental Arithmetic ◽  
Learning Disabled ◽  
Skills Development ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Disabled Students ◽  
Computerized Cognitive Training

The effects of practicing computerized exercises in class by 59 learning disabled students who received an 8-hr. training program, 30 min. per week, were evaluated. Six exercises designed to facilitate basic cognitive skills development were used. Twelve subjects were assigned to a control group without any form of intervention. Covariance analysis (pretest scores used as covariates) showed a significant effect of training on mental arithmetic. These results suggest that practicing a computerized exercise of mental arithmetic can facilitate the automatization of basic arithmetic skills (addition, subtraction, and multiplication). The nature, progress, and evaluation of such types of intervention are discussed.

Computerized Cognitive Training in Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized Clinical Trial

2021 ◽  
pp. 089198872110064
Author(s):  
Kevin Duff ◽  
Jian Ying ◽  
Kayla R. Suhrie ◽  
Bonnie C.A. Dalley ◽  
Taylor J. Atkinson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Training ◽  
Computer Games ◽  
Brain Plasticity ◽  
Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Computerized Cognitive Training ◽  
Secondary Outcomes

Objective: Computerized cognitive training has been successful in healthy older adults, but its efficacy has been mixed in patients with amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Methods: In a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel clinical trial, we examined the short- and long-term efficacy of a brain-plasticity computerized cognitive training in 113 participants with amnestic MCI. Results: Immediately after 40-hours of training, participants in the active control group who played computer games performed better than those in the experimental group on the primary cognitive outcome (p = 0.02), which was an auditory memory/attention composite score. There were no group differences on 2 secondary outcomes (global cognitive composite and rating of daily functioning). After 1 year, there was no difference between the 2 groups on primary or secondary outcomes. No adverse events were noted. Conclusions: Although the experimental cognitive training program did not improve outcomes in those with MCI, the short-term effects of the control group should not be dismissed, which may alter treatment recommendations for these patients.

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