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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07738848

Impact of Preferred Music on Laparoscopic Task Performance and Mental Workload in Novice Surgeons

This single-blinded, three-arm randomized controlled trial evaluated the effects of different auditory environments on laparoscopic task performance and mental workload among novice surgeons in a simulated setting. Sixty participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: preferred music, white noise, or silent control. Participants completed standardized laparoscopic simulation tasks. The primary outcome was task completion time. Secondary outcomes included mental workload assessed using the Surgical Task Load Index (SURG-TLX), perceived stress, and heart rate variability. The study aimed to determine whether preferred music enhances technical performance while reducing cognitive workload during laparoscopic simulation.

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Key information

Conditions

Laparoscopic Surgery Simulation Mental Workload Psychomotor Performance Stress

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia

Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, 16150, Malaysia

About this study

Background Laparoscopic surgery requires advanced psychomotor coordination, sustained concentration, and effective stress management. Environmental auditory stimuli may influence cognitive performance and operative efficiency, yet evidence remains limited, particularly among novice surgeons.

Objective To compare the effects of preferred music, white noise, and silence on laparoscopic performance and mental workload.

Methods Participants were randomized equally into three intervention groups. All participants performed standardized laparoscopic simulation exercises under their assigned auditory condition. Technical performance, subjective workload, and physiological stress were evaluated using validated assessment tools.

Hypothesis Preferred music improves laparoscopic performance and reduces mental workload compared with white noise or silence.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • House officers or novice medical doctors
  • Previous exposure to surgical posting with basic laparoscopic experience
  • Able to understand study procedures
  • Willing to provide written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

  • Hearing impairment
  • Visual impairment affecting simulator use
  • Physical disability affecting laparoscopic performance
  • Current use of medications affecting autonomic nervous system function
  • Declined consent

Treatment and study plan

Behavioral: Preferred Music

Behavioral

Participants listened to their own self-selected preferred music through headphones while performing standardized laparoscopic simulation tasks. The music was chosen by each participant before the simulation and played continuously throughout the intervention session. The simulation protocol, task instructions, and assessment procedures were identical for all study groups.

White Noise

Behavioral

Participants listened to standardized white noise through headphones while performing standardized laparoscopic simulation tasks. The white noise was played continuously throughout the intervention session. All simulation tasks, instructions, and assessment procedures were identical to those used in the other study groups.

SIlent Control

Behavioral

Participants performed the standardized laparoscopic simulation tasks under a silent environment without exposure to any auditory stimulus. All simulation tasks, instructions, and assessment procedures were identical to those used in the intervention groups.

Primary outcomes

  1. Laparoscopic task completion time

    Time frame: Immediately upon completion of the laparoscopic simulation task (Day 1).

    Time required for participants to complete the standardized laparoscopic simulation task under the assigned auditory condition (preferred music, white noise, or silent control). Task completion time was recorded in seconds using the laparoscopic simulator's timing system.

Secondary outcomes

  1. SURG-TLX score

    Time frame: Immediately after completion of the laparoscopic simulation task (Day 1).

    Mental workload measured using the Surgical Task Load Index (SURG-TLX) questionnaire. The SURG-TLX generates a weighted overall workload score ranging from 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating greater mental workload (worse outcome).

  2. Heart Rate Variability

    Time frame: Baseline (before simulation) and immediately after completion of the laparoscopic simulation task (Day 1).

    Heart rate variability parameters were measured using a validated heart rate monitoring device before and after the laparoscopic simulation to assess autonomic nervous system activity. Outcomes included time-domain and frequency-domain HRV indices. The direction of better or worse outcome depends on the specific HRV parameter analyzed.

  3. Perceived Stress Score

    Time frame: Baseline (before simulation) and immediately after completion of the laparoscopic simulation task (Day 1).

    Subjective stress assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) ranging from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates no perceived stress and 10 indicates the highest perceived stress. Higher scores indicate greater perceived stress (worse outcome).

  4. Technical Performance Score

    Time frame: Baseline (before randomization) and immediately upon completion of the intervention laparoscopic simulation task (Day 1).

    Overall technical performance assessed using the LapSim laparoscopic simulator. The LapSim overall performance score is an automatically generated composite score based on performance metrics including task completion, instrument handling, movement efficiency, accuracy, and errors. Scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better laparoscopic technical performance.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Impact of Preferred Music on Laparoscopic Task Performance and Mental Workload in Simulated Setting: A Single-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Jul 31, 2026
Registry last updated
Jul 31, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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