Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Dexterity is an important skill and there is a need to investigate the efficiency of the hand strength and the hand-eye coordination of the person. In Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, it is needed to increase the surgical performance. Mirror neuron therapy (MNT) is initiated by one's actions, observations, and imitation. It works based on neuroplasticity. The sensorimotor cortex gets improved because of MNT. By using simulators there is an increase in the skills that have improved surgical performance, confidence, and as an educational tool. Thirty participants were taken in this study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was an experimental, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial where the outcome assessor was blinded. The participants were allocated according to stratified random sampling. Suturing was done as motor skill exercises and rubber ball exercises were conducted to improve the hand and grip strength while suturing. The senior trainer did the demonstration and the participants had to perform it with and without a mirror with the dominant as well as nondominant hands. This exercise was done for 21 days. RESULTS: The results showed that participants with the right-handed dominance showed the greatest increase in motor skills with MNT (P > 0.001). There was less time taken for suturing for the right-handed participants post-exercise with scaling excellent in of hand grip and strength. CONCLUSION: This is an innovative study to determine the use of motor skill exercises using MNT and cognition towards suturing in oral and maxillofacial surgery. This study shows us the use of MNT leads to the activation of mirror neurons and the enhancement of motor skills in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery residents. These motor exercises were conducted for 21 days and led to a major improvement. The readings of hand and finger strength were taken by a baseline hand dynamometer and a pinch gauge. The suturing task time of each participant was improved after the course of study. Each participant's level of Grip strength and Pin strength was increased since the participants continued to do exercise on an everyday basis and overall surgical skills were improved.