Impact of fine motor skills acquisition and psychological factors on sex-specific performance in early interventional radiology training

Objectives: To explore the impact of self-reported motor skills on sex-specific training outcome in early interventional radiology (INR). Materials and methods: Based on the population of Reder et al., the study assessed the frequency, duration, and intensity of manual-focused activities, encompassing both non-professional and professional engagements (64 participants; 25 women), using the NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) scores for mental workload following a standardized INR training session for basic techniques. Spearman’s correlation and multiple regression analyses with backward elimination and stepwise variable selection were conducted. Results: Sex-specific significant differences exist for predicting objective performance (OP) based on lifetime-developed hand focus. Leisure activities revealed a positive correlation with OP in men (β = 0.526; p = 0.001), unlike women. Conversely, profession-based activities correlated negatively with OP in men (β = −0.579; p = 0.022). In women, non-profession-based and profession-based activities did not significantly correlate with achieved OP. However, self-assessed performance (NASA-TLX) correlated with OP in women (β > 0.5 and p < 0.01 each). In men, cumulative hand focus (or fine motor skills) is crucial for success, influenced negatively by excessive profession-related work load (p = 0.025). In women, only self-assessment was responsible for objectively determined success or failure. Conclusion: In INR training, women might benefit more from external motivation, mental training, and empowerment, while men might profit more from physical training resembling observational learning. Considering the observed negative impact of excessive profession-related work load on men, a balanced lifestyle might lead to better outcomes related to fine motor skill demanding tasks.