Abstract: A passive constraint device is disclosed which attaches to a laparoscopic instrument to kinematically constrain the user from over-gripping the instrument and to train the user in proper handling of the instrument. Passive constraint devices include three degrees of freedom adjustment of a palm rest and clamps to the laparoscopic instrument. An active constraint device is disclosed which attaches to a laparoscopic instrument to dynamically constrain a user from over-gripping the instrument and provide resistive feedback to a user to train the user in proper handling of the instrument. Active constraint devices include a finger guard that, in one embodiment, is elastic and, in other embodiments, is solid but connects to finger loops of a laparoscopic instrument via elastic connectors. Methods of use include a method for training surgical residents in the proper handling of laparoscopic instruments using passive and active constraint devices during residency training.