Abstract
BackgroundThe process of using a scalpel, like all other motor activities, is dependent upon the successful integration of afferent (sensory), cognitive and efferent (motor) processes. During learning of these skills, even if motor practice is carefully monitored there is still an inherent risk involved. It is also possible that this strategy could reinforce high levels of anxiety experienced by the student and affect student self-efficacy, causing detrimental effects on motor learning. An alternative training strategy could be through targeting sensory rather than motor processes.MethodsSecond year podiatry students who were about to commence learning scalpel skills were recruited. Participants were randomly allocated into sensory awareness training (Sensory), additional motor practice (Motor) or usual teaching only (Control) groups. Participants were then evaluated on psychological measures (Intrinsic Motivation Inventory) and dexterity measures (Purdue Pegboard, Grooved Pegboard Test and a grip-lift task).ResultsA total of 44 participants were included in the study. There were no baseline differences or significant differences between the three groups over time on the Perceived Competence, Effort/ Importance or Pressure/ Tension, psychological measures. All groups showed a significant increase in Perceived Competence over time (F1,41 = 13.796, p = 0.001). Only one variable for the grip-lift task (Preload Duration for the non-dominant hand) showed a significant difference over time between the groups (F2,41 = 3.280, p = 0.038), specifically, Motor and Control groups.ConclusionsThe use of sensory awareness training, or additional motor practice did not provide a more effective alternative compared with usual teaching. Further research may be warranted using more engaged training, provision of supervision and greater participant numbers.Trial registrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR): ACTRN12616001428459. Registered 13th October 2016. Registered Retrospectively.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12909-016-0817-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Highlights
The process of using a scalpel, like all other motor activities, is dependent upon the successful integration of afferent, cognitive and efferent processes
Based on the dynamical systems theory (DST), our current belief is that voluntary movement involves the interaction of three systems: afferent, cognitive and efferent
It is possible that this strategy could reinforce high levels of anxiety experienced by the student and affect student self-efficacy, causing detrimental effects on psychomotor learning
Summary
The process of using a scalpel, like all other motor activities, is dependent upon the successful integration of afferent (sensory), cognitive and efferent (motor) processes. During learning of these skills, even if motor practice is carefully monitored there is still an inherent risk involved. Based on the dynamical systems theory (DST), our current belief is that voluntary movement involves the interaction of three systems: afferent (sensory), cognitive and efferent (motor) Integration of these systems is complex and not sequential. The devised motor plan results in greater force being applied than required, with a subsequent overshooting of the target requirement At this point visual, tactile and kinaesthetic feedback intervenes to enable motor adjustment and avoid the carton being thrown and milk spilt
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
