Motor Coordination Assessment in Practicing Surgeons and Medical Students

Abstract

Introduction: Manual and motor coordination skills are commonly believed to be necessary for the surgical profession.

Aim of study: To assess motor coordination skills in medical students, surgical residents and attending surgeons. Material and Methods: The study group consisted of 17 surgeons and 44 medical students. All participants were tested with a number of tests for motor coordination. Statistical analysis with ANOVA/MANOVA methods, contrast analysis and post-hoc test as appropriate.

Results: There were no gender related differences in coordination skills. The group of students had significantly lower results in comparison to surgeons. Statistical significance (p < 0.05) was observed in perception diversity test, and Perception-Diversity-Orientation Index. There was no statistically significant difference between residents and attending surgeons

Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that coordination skills are not related to gender. They may serve as one of the selection criteria to surgical profession. The level of coordination skills is helpful in designing of individual training program.

Key Words:

• Motor coordination
• surgical training
• coordination testing.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

A.M. Szczepanik

A. M. Szczepanik, M.D., Ph.D. 1^st Department of Surgery Jagielloniam University Collegium Medicum 40 Kopernika str 31–501 Krakow, Poland Tel./fax: [phone] E-mail: [email protected]