Home-based, Online Mindfulness and Cognitive Training for Soldiers and Veterans with TBI

Abstract

Objectives: We examine whether a home-based, adaptive cognitive training and problem-solving training program would lead to changes in performance on untrained cognitive and functional tasks in TBI Veterans. Scope: Veterans with TBI are randomly assigned to either brain training (Cognitive Training + Problem Solving training) or an active control group (AC, casual computer games + VA information session). Participants are instructed to train on their assigned programs for tilde40 minutes per day, five days per week, over 12 weeks (40 hours of total program usage). Participants complete tests of cognitive (processing speed, working memory, and executive control) and functional performance (Timed Instrumental Activities of Daily Living and The Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory) before and after 12 weeks of training. For a subset of participants, structural and functional neuroimaging assessments are performed to examine the brain mechanism of cognitive rejuvenation. The longer-term benefit of the brain training is measured by 3-months post-assessment. Up-to-date report of progress: We successfully developed training website with embedded problem-solving and cognitive training programs. Participant recruitment was initiated from the middle of 2017. Currently, our training site is actively recruiting, enrolling, monitoring and testing participants. Major Finding: Data analysis will be done around the end of data collection. The adherence to training program is relatively strong. About 80 percent participants who assigned to training program completed the training, demonstrating the feasibility of this new form of online home based training program. Problems/Issues: Participant recruitment is challenging due to the specificity of target population and severe winter weather condition in study site (VA Connecticut). To help boost recruitment, study site attends weekly meetings with the National Center for PTSD, which they will continue to do.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2018
Accession Number
AD1094321

Entities

People

  • Hyun K. Lee

Organizations

  • Posit Science Corporation

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Brain Injuries
  • Clinical Trials
  • Computers
  • Connecticut
  • Data Analysis
  • Delivery Of Health Care
  • Education
  • Institutional Review Board
  • Management Personnel
  • Medical Personnel
  • Military Personnel
  • Monitoring
  • Personnel Management
  • Professional Development
  • Quality Of Life
  • Training
  • Video Games

Fields of Study

  • Education

Readers

  • Brain and Cognitive Science; Experimental Psychology; Cognitive Neuroscience
  • Mental Health of Military Veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Risk Factors, Prevalence, Symptoms, and Treatment.
  • Rehabilitation and Prosthetic Care for Military Service Members and Veterans with Limb Loss or Disability.