Comparison of Reaction Response Time between Hand and Foot Controlled Devices in Simulated Microsurgical Testing. (6th July 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pfister, Marcel; Lue, Jaw-Chyng L.; Stefanini, Francisco R.; Falabella, Paulo; Dustin, Laurie; Koss, Michael J.; Humayun, Mark S.
• Other Names: Nawrocki Jerzy Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: BioMed research international. Volume 2014(2014)
• Publication Date: 2014-07-06
• Subjects: Medicine -- Periodicals; Biology -- Periodicals; Biotechnology -- Periodicals; Life sciences -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1155/2014/769296
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2314-6133

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose . We hypothesized that reaction times (RTs) for a switch release are faster for hand-controlled than for foot-controlled switches for physiological and anatomical reasons (e.g., nerve conduction speed). The risk of accidental trauma could be reduced if the surgeon reacted quicker and therefore improve the surgical outcome. Method . We included 47 medical professionals at USC. Demographics and handedness were recorded. Under a microscope, a simple reaction time test was performed, testing all extremities multiple times in a random order. Additionally, a subjective questionnaire was administered. Results . The mean RTs for hands are 318.24 ms ± 51.13 and feet 328.69 ± 48.70 . The comparison of hand versus foot showed significant shorter RTs for the hand (P = 0.025 ). Partially significant differences between and within the experience level groups could be demonstrated by level of education (LE) and microscopic surgeries/week (MSW) (P = 0.57 – 0.02 ). In the subjective questionnaire, 91.5% (n = 43 / 47 ) of test subjects prefer to use hand controls. Conclusion . Our data show that the RT for hands is faster than feet. Similarly the subjective questionnaire showed a greater preference for hand actuation. This data suggest a hand-controlled ophthalmic instrument might have distinct advantages; however, clinical correlation is required.