  Simulation-based training is an effective tool for acquiring practical
skills, specifically to train new surgeons in a controlled and hazard-free
environment, it is however important to measure participants cognitive load to
decide whether they are ready to go into a real surgery. In the present study
we measured performance on a surgery simulator of medical students and interns,
while their brain activity was monitored by a mobile EEG device. 38 medical
studentswere underwent 3 experiments undergoing a task with Simbionix
simulator, while their brain activity was measured using a single-channel EEG
device (Aurora by Neurosteer). On each experiment, participants performed 3
repeats of a simulator task using laparoscopic hands. The retention between
tasks was different on each experiment, to examine changes in performance and
cognitive load biomarkers that occur during the task or as a results of night
sleep consolidation. The participants behavioral performance improved with
trial repetition in all 3 experiments. In Exps. 1 & 2, the theta band activity
significantly decreased with better individual performance, as exhibited by
some of the behavioral measurements of the simulator. The novel VC9 biomarker
(previously shown to correlate with cognitive load), exhibited a significant
decrease with better individual performance shown by all behavioral
measurements. In correspondence with previous research, theta decreased with
lower cognitive load and higher performance and the novel biomarker, VC9,
showed higher sensitivity to load changes. Together, these measurements might
be for neuroimaging assessment of cognitive load while performing simulator
laparoscopic tasks. This could potentially be expanded to evaluate efficacy of
different medical simulations to provide more efficient training to medical
staff and to measure cognitive and mental load in real laparoscopic surgeries.
