title: Randomly alternating image presentation during laparoscopic training leads to faster automation to the "fulcrum effect".
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to evaluate four training programmes intended to help laparoscopic surgeons automate to the "fulcrum effect".
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 32 participants (16 men, 16 women), were randomly assigned to one of four different image-viewing conditions: full binocular, y-axis inverted, normal laparoscopic and randomly alternating (between y-axis-inverted and normal laparoscopic). The subjects were requested to perform 10 trials of a simple laparoscopic cutting task, each lasting 2 minutes. Each then completed a 2-minute test under normal laparoscopic imaging conditions.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In the final test trial, participants who trained under the randomly alternating imaging conditions (y-axis inverted and normal laparoscopic) performed significantly better than those from the other groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Training under a randomly alternating viewing condition helps laparoscopic trainees automate to the "fulcrum effect" faster.
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, The Queen's University of Belfast, Ireland.
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Jordan
authors.forename: A G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Gallagher
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: McGuigan
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: McClure
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004496:Education, Continuing / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D013502:General Surgery / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007494:Ireland; D007721:Knowledge of Results, Psychological; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis