title: Performance on a virtual reality angled laparoscope task correlates with spatial ability of trainees.
abstract: The aim of the present study was to investigate whether trainees' performance on a virtual reality angled laparoscope navigation task correlates with scores obtained on a validated conventional test of spatial ability. 56 participants of a surgery workshop performed an angled laparoscope navigation task on the Xitact LS 500 virtual reality Simulator. Performance parameters were correlated with the score of a validated paper-and-pencil test of spatial ability. Performance at the conventional spatial ability test significantly correlated with performance at the virtual reality task for overall task score (p < 0.001), task completion time (p < 0.001) and economy of movement (p = 0.035), not for endoscope travel speed (p = 0.947). In conclusion, trainees' performance in a standardized virtual reality camera navigation task correlates with their innate spatial ability. This VR session holds potential to serve as an assessment tool for trainees.
authors.forename: Rachel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Rosenthal
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hamel
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Oertli
authors.forename: Nicolas
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Demartines
authors.forename: Walter A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Gantert