The Impact of Classical Music on Performance in Robotic Surgery Simulation

In this experimental crossover study using the da Vinci simulator, the aim is to investigate how classical music influences the surgical performance of medical students. Following a brief training phase, participants complete standardized tasks under two conditions (no music vs. classical music). Performance is assessed using an objective trainer score. The study is conducted in a risk-free simulation environment, the stimuli are standardized, participation is voluntary, and data are collected in a pseudonymized manner. The goal is to obtain evidence-based insights into the effects of music and distraction on training and the working environment in robotic surgery.

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Key information

Conditions

Surgical Da Vinci Robot Music Exposure Music Listening Intervention Robotic Surgery Simulation Training Surgical Behaviour in the Operating Room da Vinci SP Surgical System

Age range

18 year–65 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Medical University of Vienna

Vienna, State of Vienna, 1090, Austria

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

The study includes adult (≥ 18 years) medical students between the first completed and the twelfth completed semester. Prior experience in robotic surgery or with training simulators is not required; however, basic familiarity with the use of technical devices is necessary. Furthermore, participants must have sufficient knowledge of German or English to provide informed consent and fully understand the instructions.

Exclusion criteria

Lack of capacity to provide informed consent
Insufficient language proficiency (German/English)
Known hypersensitivity to noise
Hearing or balance disorders
Conditions that significantly affect attention or motor skills (e.g., tremor, myopathies)
Acute illnesses that may impair participation, substance influence, or severe fatigue
Direct dependency or evaluative relationship with members of the study team

Treatment and study plan

Exposure to Classical Music

Behavioral

Exposure to Classical Music through headphones while performing standardized exercises on the da Vinci robotic surgery simulator.

Primary outcomes

Da Vinci Surgical Performance Score

Time frame: Once after each cycle (estimated: 15 minutes per cycle) of performing the standardized simulated surgical tasks (once with and once without exposure to Classical Music), the Performance Score will be measured by the simulation system.

The primary outcome measure reflects the objective performance in the robotic da Vinci simulator and is automatically calculated by the simulation system based on parameters including total task completion time, error rate, and task precision. A higher score indicates a better performance during the task.

Secondary outcomes

Subjective Performance Score 1

Time frame: After each cycle (estimated: 15 minutes per cycle)of performing the standardized simulated surgical tasks (once with and once without exposure to Classical Music), the Subjective Performance Score will be measured by the SURG-TLX.

Subjective measures of workload and perception are collected by using the SURG-TLX questionnaire (including subscales for mental and physical workload, time pressure, task complexity, stress, and distraction) including 6 questions (0-21 points per question) with a minimum of 0 and a maximum of 126 points. A lower score indicates better subjective performance.
Subjective Performance Score 2

Time frame: After each cycle (estimated: 15 minutes per cycle) of performing the standardized simulated surgical tasks (once with and once without exposure to Classical Music), the Subjective Performance Score will be measured by the additional questionnaire.

Subjective measures of workload and perception are collected by using an additional questionnaire for a brief self-assessment of concentration and perceived distraction including 3 questions (0-10 points per question) with a minimum of 0 and a maximum of 30 points. A higher score indicates better subjective performance.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Medical University of Vienna

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start: 2026
Primary completion: 2026
Study completion: 2026
First posted: Jun 10, 2026
Registry last updated: Jun 10, 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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