Training in tasks with different visual-spatial components does not improve virtual arthroscopy performance

Background: We earlier showed that training in the Procedicus KSA Simulator improves the performance of tasks done later in the same simulator. However, it is still unclear how performance in a specific visual-spatial simulator context may change after training in other simulators with different visual-spatial components. In particular, the aim of this study was to test whether performance in the Procedicus Virtual Arthroscopy (VA) Knee Simulator would remain unchanged after a training session in three other simulators with different visual-spatial components. Methods: Twenty-eight medical students participated in a quasi-transfer study. They were randomly allocated to an experimental group (n = 14) and a control group (n = 14). Results: Performance in the Procedicus VA Knee Simulator did not improve after training in other simulators with different visual-spatial components (t-test p = NS). No significant correlation was found between the Procedicus VA Knee and the Minimally Invasive Surgical Trainer (MIST) simulators. Conclusion: One hour of training in different visual-spatial contexts was not enough to improve the performance in virtual arthroscopy tasks. It cannot be excluded, however, that experienced trainees could improve their performance, because perceived similarity between different situations is influenced by many psychological factors, such as the knowledge or expertise of the person performing the transfer task.