Nonsurgical skills do not predict baseline scores in inanimate box or virtual-reality trainers

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Abstract
Laparoscopic basic skills are best trained in the nonclinical setting. Box trainers and virtual-reality trainers have been shown to be useful in training laparoscopic skills. Certain nonsurgical skills may predict baseline skills in these trainers. This study tested the hypothesis that baseline scores could be predicted in inanimate box trainers and virtual-reality trainers by nonsurgical skills. Only preclinical medical students were included in the study. All students were given a survey ascertaining if they played computer games, typed, sew, played a musical instrument, and utilized chopsticks. Students utilized a box trainer (BT) and/or virtual-reality trainer (VR). Nonparametric two-tailed Mann–Whitney tests were utilized to compare students that possessed certain nonsurgical skills versus those who did not. There were 18 students in the VR group and 33 students in the BT group. In the VR group, students who played computer games, typed, utilized chopsticks, or played a musical instrument had better scores and fewer errors than those who did not but this did not reach statistical significance in any comparison (p = NS). In the BT group, none of the nonsurgical skills predicted times or errors. Males performed better than females in the VR group (p < 0.001); but this gender discrepancy was not seen in the BT group. Nonsurgical skills do not predict baseline scores in either trainer. The gender differences in VR training need to be further explored.