Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a portable, non-invasive, brain imaging technology that uses low levels of non-ionizing light to record changes in cerebral blood flow in the brain through optical sensors placed on the surface of the scalp. These signals are recorded via flexible fiber optic cables, which allow neuroimaging experiments to be conducted on participants while performing tasks such as standing or walking. FNIRS has the potential to provide new insights into the evolution of brain activation during ambulatory motor learning tasks and standing tasks to probe balance and vestibular function. In this study, a 32 channel fNIRS system was used to record blood flow changes in the frontal, motor, sensory, and temporal cortices during active balancing associated with playing a video game simulating downhill skiing (Nintendo Wii™; Wii-fit™). Using fNIRS, we found activation of superior temporal gyrus, which was modulated by the difficulty of the balance task. This region had been previously implicated in vestibular function from other animal and human studies.

Purpose: A significant challenge in surgical education is to provide a meaningful hands-on experience with the pathology the trainee will see in independent practice. Craniofacial anatomy is challenging and unfamiliar to the learner. Methods: Using preoperative computed tomography data, the authors produced an accurately sized, three-dimensional (3D) printed model of the congenital craniofacial anatomy of patients treated by the same attending surgeon–PGY4 resident surgeon pair over the course of a 6-month rotation. A preoperative stepwise surgical plan was written by the attending and resident, and the plan was marked on the 3D model by the attending and resident separately. The written and marked plans were measured for accuracy and time to completion. The resident surgeon's applicable milestone levels were assessed. Results: Seven congenital craniofacial anomalies met criteria for inclusion: 4 craniosynostosis cases, 2 mandibular distractions, and 1 LeFort I distraction. The number of inaccuracies of the written plan improved from 5 to 0 for sagittal synostosis and 4 to 0 for mandibular distraction. The time to complete the written plan decreased by 22% for sagittal synostosis and 45% for mandibular distraction. The number of inaccuracies of the marked plan decreased from 5 to 0 for sagittal synostosis and 2 to 0 for mandibular distraction. Time to completion of the marked plan decreased by 76% for sagittal synostosis and 50% for mandibular distraction. Milestone scores increased an average of 1.875 levels. Conclusion: Three-dimensional printed craniofacial models are a positive addition to resident training and have been objectively quantified to improve the accuracy and time to completion of the surgical plan as well as progression in the plastic surgery milestones.

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