Assessment of learning in simulator-based arthroscopy training with the diagnostic arthroscopy skill score (DASS) and neurophysiological measures.


Aksoy M. E., kocaoglu B., İzzetoglu K., Agrali A., Yoner S. I., Polat M. D., ...Daha Fazla

Knee surgery, sports traumatology, arthroscopy : official journal of the ESSKA, cilt.31, sa.12, ss.5332-5345, 2023 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

Özet

Purpose Virtual arthroscopic training has become increasingly popular. However, there is a lack of efficiency-based tracking

of the trainee, which may be critical for determining the specifics of training programs and adapting them for the needs of

each trainee. This study aims to evaluate and compare the measures obtained with a non-invasive neurophysiological method

with The Diagnostic Arthroscopy Skill Score (DASS), a commonly used assessment tool for evaluating arthroscopic skills.

Methods The study collected simulator performance scores, consisting of “Triangulation Right Hand”, “Triangulation Left

Hand”, “Catch the Stars” and “Three Rings” and DASS scores from 22 participants (11 novices, 11 experts). These scores

were obtained while participants underwent a structured program of exercises for the fundamentals of arthroscopic surgery

training (FAST) and knee module using a simulator-based arthroscopy device. During the evaluation, data on oxy-hemoglobin

and deoxy-hemoglobin levels in the prefrontal cortex were collected using the Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS)

imaging system. Performance scores, DASS scores, and fNIRS data were subsequently analyzed to determine any correlation

between performance and cortex activity.

Results The simulator performance scores and the DASSPart2 scores were significantly higher in the expert group compared

to the novice group (200.1 ± 28.5 vs 172.5 ± 48.9, p = 0.04 and 9.4 ± 5.6 vs. 5.4 ± 5.6 p = 0.02). In the expert group, fNIRS

data showed a significantly lower prefrontal cortex activation during fundamental tasks in the FAST module, indicating

significantly more efficient mental resource use.

Conclusion The analysis of cognitive workload changes during simulation-based arthroscopy training revealed a significant

correlation between the trainees’ DASS scores and fNIRS data. This correlation suggests the potential use of fNIRS data

and DASS scores as additional metrics to create adaptive training protocols for each participant. By incorporating these

metrics, the training process can be optimized, leading to more efficient arthroscopic training and better preparedness for

clinical operations.

Level of evidence III.

Keywords Task performance and analysis · Neurophysiological techniques · Education · Computer-assisted · Arthroscopy ·

Spectroscopy · Near-infrared