This randomized controlled trial evaluates and compares the educational effectiveness of two arthroscopic training platforms: a traditional physical bench-model simulator and an immersive Mixed Reality (MR) simulator. Medical students and residents undergo a baseline assessment on a physical knee simulator and are then randomized into either the Traditional Simulator Group (TSG) or the Mixed Reality Simulator Group (MRSG). Participants complete a three-session training protocol focusing on basic psychomotor skills. Trainees are then evaluated on an anatomical knee task to measure true clinical skill transfer. Performance is video-recorded and scored by independent, blinded physicians using the validated Arthroscopic Surgical Skill Evaluation Tool (ASSET).
This parallel-group randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the educational efficacy of Mixed Reality in surgical education. Medical students and residents undergo a baseline assessment on a physical anatomical knee simulator to establish initial skill levels. Following this, participants are randomized into either the Traditional Simulator Group (TSG) or the Mixed Reality Simulator Group (MRSG). The intervention consists of a three-session training protocol focusing on basic psychomotor skills (specifically horizontal and spatial triangulation) isolated from anatomical clutter. To evaluate true clinical skill transfer, trainees are then tested on an identical anatomical knee task. All performance sessions are video-recorded and subsequently scored by independent, blinded physicians using the validated Arthroscopic Surgical Skill Evaluation Tool (ASSET) to ensure objective outcome measurement.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
25
Execution of a three-session psychomotor training protocol utilizing a physical bench-model simulator with an external video monitor for visual guidance.
Execution of a three-session psychomotor training protocol utilizing an immersive Mixed Reality simulator that provides holographic images and a virtual monitor for visual guidance.
Experimental Surgery Unit, ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto
Porto, Portugal
Psychomotor Skill Performance Assessed by the ASSET Scale
Psychomotor performance is evaluated using a modified Arthroscopic Surgical Skill Evaluation Tool (ASSET). The total score ranges from 8 to 38, with higher scores indicating better surgical skill and performance.
Time frame: Time Frame: Baseline (before intervention; assessment conducted after Phase 1, within up to 2 weeks) and immediately after completion of the intervention (assessment conducted after Phase 3, within up to 2 weeks.
Perceived Workload Assessed by the SURG-TLX Scale
Perceived cognitive and physical workload during the evaluation tasks is measured using an adapted Surgery Task Load Index (SURG-TLX). The questionnaire evaluates six dimensions: mental demands, physical demands, temporal demands, task complexity, situational stress, and distractions using a 5-point Likert scale. The total score ranges from 6 to 30, with higher scores indicating a higher perceived workload.
Time frame: Time Frame: Baseline (before intervention; completed immediately after Phase 1 on the same day) and immediately after completion of the intervention (completed immediately after Phase 3 on the same day)
Perceived Workload Assessed by the NASA-TLX Scale
Perceived workload during the Phase 2 tasks is measured using an adapted NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX). The questionnaire assesses six dimensions: mental demand, physical demand, temporal demand, performance, effort, and frustration. Each item is rated on a 5-point Likert scale. The total score ranges from 6 to 30, with higher scores indicating greater perceived workload.
Time frame: After the conclusion of the last session of phase 2, within a maximum period of 1 week.
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