Comparison of training effect on tremor using 2 training modules.

PURPOSE: To compare training effect of 2 training models-a surgical simulator anti-tremor module and a paper version-on tremor and time-to-task completion.

SETTING: Ophthalmology Department, Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts, USA.

DESIGN: Prospective crossover study.

METHODS: Trainees completed simulator and paper training modules (baseline test, 3 training sessions, posttraining test, and final test) with their dominant and nondominant hands. The change in tremor, number of paper errors, and time-to-task completion in dominant and nondominant hands were compared. The 2 training modules were compared using nonparametric tests.

RESULTS: The study comprised 19 trainees. There was a moderate correlation between average tremor values (simulator, 3-dimensional module) and paper errors (paper, 2-dimensional module) (Spearman ⍴ = 0.35, P < .0001). Practice on the simulator or paper modules did not reduce tremor significantly from baseline to final tasks for both hands combined (P = .12, simulator; P = .2, paper). Practice on the training modules improved time-to-task completion in the simulator module and paper module (both P < .0001). The improvement in time from baseline to final tasks was greater in the nondominant hands in the simulator module (improvement 64.5% over baseline time) than in the paper module (53.6% over baseline time).

CONCLUSION: Practice might not reduce tremor but improved the outcome measure of time, and results suggest that trainees can learn to compensate for tremor in both hands, which is important in bimanual microsurgery.