scholarly journals Do People With Severe Traumatic Brain Injury Benefit From Making Errors? A Randomized Controlled Trial of Error-Based and Errorless Learning

2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (12) ◽  
pp. 1072-1082 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tamara Ownsworth ◽  
Jennifer Fleming ◽  
Robyn Tate ◽  
Elizabeth Beadle ◽  
Janelle Griffin ◽  
...  

Background. Errorless learning (ELL) and error-based learning (EBL) are commonly used approaches to rehabilitation for people with traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, it is unknown whether making errors is beneficial in the learning process to promote skills generalization after severe TBI. Objective. To compare the efficacy of ELL and EBL for improving skills generalization, self-awareness, behavioral competency, and psychosocial functioning after severe TBI. Method. A total of 54 adults (79% male; mean age = 38.0 years, SD = 13.4) with severe TBI were randomly allocated to ELL or EBL and received 8 × 1.5-hour therapy sessions that involved meal preparation and other goal-directed activities. The primary outcome was total errors on the Cooking Task (near-transfer). Secondary outcome measures included the Zoo Map Test (far-transfer), Awareness Questionnaire, Patient Competency Rating Scale, Sydney Psychosocial Reintegration Scale, and Care and Needs Scale. Results. Controlling for baseline performance and years of education, participants in the EBL group made significantly fewer errors at postintervention (mean = 36.25; 95% CI = 32.5-40.0) than ELL participants (mean = 42.57; 95% CI = 38.8-46.3). EBL participants also demonstrated greater self-awareness and behavioral competency at postintervention than ELL participants ( P < .05). There were no significant differences on other secondary outcomes ( P > .05), or at the 6-month follow-up assessment. Conclusion. EBL was found to be more effective than ELL for enhancing skills generalization on a task related to training and improving self-awareness and behavioral competency.

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-80
Author(s):  
Lisandro Heber Vales ◽  
Silveira Brussain ◽  
Fabian Roman

Introduction: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is the most common cause of disability in youngpatients. In the  self-awareness deficits that can arise after TBI, patients experience difficulties in understanding the disabilities resulting from their injury. This is an important problem that affects the rehabilitation processes. Materials and methods: Self-awareness, neurocognitive functions and depressive symptoms were observed in 31 outpatients with a diagnosis of moderate or severe TBI, aged between 16 and 45 years. Instruments: Patient Competency Rating Scale (PCRS), Neurocognitive Assessment and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS). Results: Correlations were found between self-awareness and its dimensions with visuospatial skills, executive functions (double task and cognitive inhibition), episodic memory (Rey Auditory-Verbal Learning Test and Montevideo short story) and depressive symptoms. Conclusions: Patients who have suffered a moderate or severe TBI may have impaired self-awareness. Self-awareness is the ability to objectively perceive (perceive our own self), while maintaining a sense of subjectivity, It is a complex function that needs to use executive functions and episodic memory. The relationship found between interpersonal self-awareness and depressive symptoms does not seem to be conclusive, since this association is probably more complex, and involves other variables not considered in this study.


2009 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 188-204 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leanne Togher ◽  
Skye McDonald ◽  
Robyn Tate ◽  
Emma Power ◽  
Rachel Rietdijk

AbstractThis article reports on the design of a three-arm, nonrandomised controlled trial of interventions targeting social communication skills following traumatic brain injury (TBI) in adult participants. People with severe TBI were allocated to one of the three groups: the TBI group, where only the person with TBI was trained, the JOINT group where both the everyday communication partner (ECP) and the person with TBI were trained together, and a delayed treatment control condition. The trial is comparing whether including everyday communication partners in the training process provide additional benefit when compared to training the person with TBI alone; and additionally, whether training the person with TBI alone is more effective than no training. A range of primary and secondary outcome measures will be used to evaluate outcomes. Publishing the protocol prior to the results of the trial being available has several important benefits (Godlee, 2001). The original hypotheses and intentions of the research are made explicit to ensure that the process of conducting this clinical trial is transparent to readers, and so that comments may be made before results are finalised. It provides the opportunity to outline a detailed description of this intervention and methodology, or to acknowledge changes to methodology, which may assist with eventual clinical application of the intervention. This article also informs the research community of the work that is underway to promote opportunities for collaboration and reduce unnecessary duplication of research. The protocol for this trial has previously been registered on Current Controlled Trials (http://www.controlled-trials.com/ISRCTN57815281).


2012 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 360-376 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diane L. Whiting ◽  
Grahame K. Simpson ◽  
Hamish J. McLeod ◽  
Frank P. Deane ◽  
Joseph Ciarrochi

Following a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) there is a complex presentation of psychological symptoms which may impact on recovery. Validated treatments addressing these symptoms for this group of people are limited. This article reports on the protocol for a single-centre, two-armed, Phase II Randomised Control Trial (RCT) to address the adjustment process following a severe TBI. Participants will be recruited from Liverpool Brain Injury Rehabilitation Unit and randomly allocated to one of two groups, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) or an active control (Befriending). The active treatment group utilises the six core processes of ACT with the intention of increasing participation and psychological flexibility and reducing psychological distress. A number of primary and secondary outcome measures, administered at assessment, post-treatment and 1-month follow-up, will be used to assess clinical outcomes. The publication of the protocol before the trial results are available addresses fidelity criterion (intervention design) for RCTs. This ensures transparency in the RCT and that it meets the guidelines according to the CONSORT statement. The protocol has also been registered on the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12610000851066.


2020 ◽  
Vol 91 (6) ◽  
pp. 631-637
Author(s):  
Peter Owen Jenkins ◽  
Andreas-Antonios Roussakis ◽  
Sara De Simoni ◽  
Niall Bourke ◽  
Jessica Fleminger ◽  
...  

ObjectiveTraumatic brain injury (TBI) and rapid eye movement sleep behavioural disorder (RBD) are risk factors for Parkinson’s disease (PD). Dopaminergic abnormalities are often seen after TBI, but patients usually lack parkinsonian features. We test whether TBI, PD and RBD have distinct striatal dopamine abnormalities using dopamine transporter (DaT) imaging.Methods123I-ioflupane single-photon emission CT scans were used in a cross-sectional study to measure DaT levels in moderate/severe TBI, healthy controls, patients with early PD and RBD. Caudate and putamen DaT, putamen to caudate ratios and left-right symmetry of DaT were compared.Results108 participants (43 TBI, 26 PD, 8 RBD, 31 controls) were assessed. Patients with early PD scored significantly higher on the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale motor subscale than other groups. Patients with TBI and PD had reduced DaT levels in the caudate (12.2% and 18.7%, respectively) and putamen (9.0% and 42.6%, respectively) compared with controls. Patients with RBD had reduced DaT levels in the putamen (12.8%) but not in the caudate compared with controls. Patients with PD and TBI showed distinct patterns of DaT reduction, with patients with PD showing a lower putamen to caudate ratio. DaT asymmetry was greater in the PD group than other groups.ConclusionsThe results show that patients with early PD and TBI have distinct patterns of striatal dopamine abnormalities. Patients with early PD and moderate/severe TBI showed similar reductions in caudate DaT binding, but patients with PD showed a greater reduction in putamen DaT and a lower putamen to caudate ratio. The results suggest that parkinsonian motor signs are absent in these patients with TBI because of relatively intact putaminal dopamine levels.


CNS Spectrums ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 109-109
Author(s):  
Theodore Henderson ◽  
Larry D. Morries

AbstractBackgroundDepression treatment is hampered by low efficacy of antidepressant medications and concerns about alternative modalities. Animal studies of treatment with low-level (0.5 Watt or less) near infrared (NIR) light from diodes has shown some benefit in models of traumatic brain injury (TBI) with evidence of reduced lesion size, increased neurotrophin production, synaptogenesis, fewer apoptotic cells, and improved neurological function. Two small case series have demonstrated transient clinical improvement with low-level NIR treatment given on a daily basis over several weeks. We have previously shown marked and persistent clinical improvement in a case series of patients with chronic mild-to-moderate (m-MTBI) after treatmentwith NIR at a power of 9 Watts or greater. We also have published a review of the potential for application of NIR for the treatment of depression. The current study explores NIR efficacy in a proof-of-concept study as a treatment for depression.MethodsThirty-nine sequential patients treated for TBI between March 2013 and May 2017 provided depression self-assessment data and/or were administered the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. Each completed the Quick Inventory of Depression Symptomatology-Self Reports (QIDS) before and after treatment. Patients received transcranial multi-Watt near-infrared light treatment (NILT) using near-infrared lasers (810/980 nm at 8-15 Watts) applied to forehead and temporal regions bilaterally for 9-12 minutes to each area.ResultsFor 36 of the 39 patients, after 16.82 + 6.26 treatments, QIDS scores indicated a robust response (decrease of QIDS total score by > 50%). For 32 of 39 patients post-treatment QIDS scores indicated a remission from depression (decrease of QIDS total score < 5). Overall, the QIDS score fell from 14.10 + 3.39 to 3.44 + 3.39 SD (p=6.29 X 10-19). With 12 or fewer treatments, QIDS score dropped from 14.83 + 2.55 to 4.17 + 3.93. Patients receiving 13 or more treatments showed a change in QIDS score from 13.67 + 3.64 to 3.11 + 3.14. Those (N=15) who received the entire treatment course within 8 weeks or less (5.33 + 1.72 weeks) showed a change in QIDS score from 13.86 + 3.14 to 4.5 + 3.94. Suicidal ideation resolved in all, but two patients. The non-responsive patients are described in detail. Patients remained in remission for up to 55 months after a single course of treatment.ConclusionThis is the first report of high-powered NILT showing efficacy for depression. Patients saw benefit often within 4 treatments and some had resolution of depressive symptoms in as little as 4 weeks. These data raise an intriguing possibility – that NILT may be a safe, effective, and rapid treatment for depression. A double-blind, placebo controlled trial is warranted to verify these proof-of-concept data.Funding AcknowledgementsNeuro-Laser Foundation


2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 74-84 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ingerid Kleffelgaard ◽  
Helene Lundgaard Soberg ◽  
Anne-Lise Tamber ◽  
Kari Anette Bruusgaard ◽  
Are Hugo Pripp ◽  
...  

Objective: To investigate the effects of group-based vestibular rehabilitation in patients with traumatic brain injury. Design: A single-blind randomized controlled trial. Setting: University Hospital (recruitment and baseline assessments) and Metropolitan University (experimental intervention). Subjects: A total of 65 patients (45 women) with mild-to-moderate traumatic brain injury (mean age 39.4 ± 13.0 years) were randomly assigned to intervention ( n = 33) or control group ( n = 32). Intervention: Group-based vestibular rehabilitation for eight weeks. Participants were tested at baseline (3.5 ± 2.1 months after injury) and at two post-intervention follow-ups (2.7 ± 0.8 and 4.4 ± 1.0 months after baseline testing). Main measures: Primary outcome: Dizziness Handicap Inventory. Secondary outcome: High-Level Mobility Assessment Tool. Other outcomes: Vertigo Symptom Scale; Rivermead Post-concussion Symptoms Questionnaire; Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale; and Balance Error Scoring System. Between-group differences were analyzed with a linear mixed-model analysis for repeated measurements. Results: At baseline, no group differences were revealed (personal factors, clinical characteristics and outcome measures). At the first follow-up, statistically significant mean differences in favor of the intervention were found in the primary (−8.7, 95% confidence interval (CI): −16.6 to −0.9) and secondary outcomes (3.7 points, 95% CI: 1.4–6.0). At the second follow-up, no significant between-group differences were found. No significant between-group differences in the other outcomes were found at the two follow-ups. Conclusion: The intervention appeared to speed up recovery for patients with dizziness and balance problems after traumatic brain injury. However, the benefits had dissipated two months after the end of the intervention.


2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 334-340 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaleigh Mellett ◽  
Dianxu Ren ◽  
Sheila Alexander ◽  
Nicole Osier ◽  
Sue R. Beers ◽  
...  

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability, with more than 5 million people in the United States living with long-term complications related to TBI. This study examined the relationship between TP53, the gene that codes for the protein p53, and outcome variability following severe TBI. The p53 protein impacts neuronal apoptosis following TBI, thus investigation into TP53 genetic variability as a prognosticator for TBI outcomes (mortality, Glasgow Outcome Scale [GOS], Neurobehavioral Rating Scale [NRS], and Disability Rating Scale [DRS]) is warranted. Participants ( N = 429) with severe TBI (Glasgow Coma Scale score ≤8) were enrolled into a prospective study with outcomes assessed over 24 months following injury. The single-nucleotide polymorphism Arg72Pro (rs1042522), a functional missense polymorphism for which the CC homozygous genotype is most efficient at inducing apoptosis, was investigated. Individuals with the CC genotype (arginine homozygotes) were more likely to have poorer outcomes at 24 months following TBI compared to individuals with CG/GG genotypes (GOS: p = .048, DRS: p = .022). These findings add to preliminary evidence that p53 plays a role in recovery following TBI and, if further replicated, could support investigations into p53-based therapies for treating TBI.


Neurosurgery ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 87 (3) ◽  
pp. 427-434 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregory W J Hawryluk ◽  
Andres M Rubiano ◽  
Annette M Totten ◽  
Cindy O’Reilly ◽  
Jamie S Ullman ◽  
...  

Abstract When the fourth edition of the Brain Trauma Foundation's Guidelines for the Management of Severe Traumatic Brain Injury were finalized in late 2016, it was known that the results of the RESCUEicp (Trial of Decompressive Craniectomy for Traumatic Intracranial Hypertension) randomized controlled trial of decompressive craniectomy would be public after the guidelines were released. The guideline authors decided to proceed with publication but to update the decompressive craniectomy recommendations later in the spirit of “living guidelines,” whereby topics are updated more frequently, and between new editions, when important new evidence is published. The update to the decompressive craniectomy chapter presented here integrates the findings of the RESCUEicp study as well as the recently published 12-mo outcome data from the DECRA (Decompressive Craniectomy in Patients With Severe Traumatic Brain Injury) trial. Incorporation of these publications into the body of evidence led to the generation of 3 new level-IIA recommendations; a fourth previously presented level-IIA recommendation remains valid and has been restated. To increase the utility of the recommendations, we added a new section entitled Incorporating the Evidence into Practice. This summary of expert opinion provides important context and addresses key issues for practitioners, which are intended to help the clinician utilize the available evidence and these recommendations. The full guideline can be found at: https://braintrauma.org/guidelines/guidelines-for-the-management-of-severe-tbi-4th-ed#/.


BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. e040550
Author(s):  
Jean-Francois Payen ◽  
Marion Richard ◽  
Gilles Francony ◽  
Gérard Audibert ◽  
Emmanuel L Barbier ◽  
...  

IntroductionIntracranial hypertension is considered as an independent risk factor of mortality and neurological disabilities after severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, clinical studies have demonstrated that episodes of brain ischaemia/hypoxia are common despite normalisation of intracranial pressure (ICP). This study assesses the impact on neurological outcome of guiding therapeutic strategies based on the monitoring of both brain tissue oxygenation pressure (PbtO2) and ICP during the first 5 days following severe TBI.Methods and analysisMulticentre, open-labelled, randomised controlled superiority trial with two parallel groups in 300 patients with severe TBI. Intracerebral monitoring must be in place within the first 16 hours post-trauma. Patients are randomly assigned to the ICP group or to the ICP + PbtO2 group. The ICP group is managed according to the international guidelines to maintain ICP≤20 mm Hg. The ICP + PbtO2 group is managed to maintain PbtO2 ≥20 mm Hg in addition to the conventional optimisation of ICP. The primary outcome measure is the neurological status at 6 months as assessed using the extended Glasgow Outcome Scale. Secondary outcome measures include quality-of-life assessment, mortality rate, therapeutic intensity and incidence of critical events during the first 5 days. Analysis will be performed according to the intention-to-treat principle and full statistical analysis plan developed prior to database freeze.Ethics and disseminationThis study has been approved by the Institutional Review Board of Sud-Est V (14-CHUG-48) and from the National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety (Agence Nationale de Sécurité du Médicament et des produits de santé) (141 435B-31). Results will be presented at scientific meetings and published in peer-reviewed publications.The study was registered with ClinTrials NCT02754063 on 28 April 2016 (pre-results).


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