Does mental imagery make a difference in virtual reality simulation training? Results of a randomized controlled trial

Purpose To assess the effect of mental imagery (MI) on the performance in Virtual Reality Simulation Training (VRST) and laparoscopic cholecystectomy training with a box-trainer. Methods We randomly assigned novice laparoscopic surgeons taking part in 2023’s Davos Course to either receive MI followed by VRST vs. VRST alone. Laparoscopic performance was measured using time taken and instruments’ path lengths. We also measured surgical performance in a porcine cholecystectomy model in a box-trainer using a modified objective structured assessment of technical skills (OSATS) score. One-hundred-ten participants in the beginners’ module of the Davos Course were eligible, and all could be assessed in this study. Results VRST performance did not differ significantly between the two groups. In the cholecystectomy exercise, participants in the MI group performed significantly better in the two subscales ‘Respect for Tissue’ and ‘Use of the Assistant’ ( p = 0.037 and 0.035, respectively). There was no difference in the other subscales and the overall OSATS Score. Conclusions MI did not improve young surgeons’ overall OSATS scores in a porcine laparoscopic cholecystectomy model. On two subscales of the OSATS scores that reflect skills that are hard to train with VRST, the MI group performed significantly better. Further research involving VRST is warranted to elucidate optimal training modalities.