A-140 Computer Based Cognitive Rehabilitation Interventions for Visual Attention Following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

Background Service members with a history of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) frequently report problems paying attention. In combat and training settings, visual attention is critical given the demand to warfighter performance. Many computerized cognitive rehabilitation programs exist, however the impact of their effectiveness on improving visual attention is unknown. Methods A randomized controlled trial consisted of 22 active-duty service members with a history of mTBI. Participants were randomized to Lumosity (N = 8) which focused on multiple cognitive domains or UCR which has a specific focus on visual attention (N = 14). Cognitive assessment was completed at baseline and following treatment. The Neuropsychological Assessment Battery (NAB) Driving Scenes subtest was used as the primary assessment of visual attention. All participants passed a validity measure pre and post assessment. Results A one-way ANOVA revealed that performance on NAB Driving Scenes improved for all participants after treatment (F = 4.18, p = 0.046); however, when computer program type was analyzed there was no interaction (F = 0.32, p = 0.860). Participants who completed the UCR intervention improved from M = 41.64, SD = 11.58 to M = 46.79, SD = 14.52, Cohen’s d = 0.43. For the Lumosity condition, there was a medium effect size (Cohen’s d = 0.46) from baseline (M = 38.63, SD = 14.33) to post treatment (M = 44.75, SD = 9.47) Conclusions The results indicated that both programs proved effective at improving visual attention symptoms. These findings provide support for the use of computerized cognitive rehabilitation programs as a form of intervention for mTBI.