scholarly journals Mood, Activity Participation, and Leisure Engagement Satisfaction (MAPLES): A randomised controlled pilot feasibility trial for low mood in acquired brain injury

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Kusec ◽  
Fionnuala C. Murphy ◽  
Polly V. Peers ◽  
Cara Lawrence ◽  
Emma Cameron ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Acquired brain injury (ABI) affects approximately 79.3 million individuals annually and is linked with elevated rates of depression and low mood. Existing methods for treating depression in ABI have shown mixed efficacy. Behavioural Activation (BA) is a potentially promising intervention. Its premise is that individuals with low mood avoid planning and engaging in activities due to low expectations of a positive outcome. Consequently, their exposure to positive reinforcement is reduced, exacerbating low mood. BA aims to break this cycle by encouraging activity planning and engagement. It is unknown whether cognitive demands of traditional BA may undermine efficacy in ABI. Here we assess the feasibility and acceptability of two groups designed to increase activity engagement. In the Activity Planning Group (traditional BA) the importance of meaningful and positive activity will be discussed and participants encouraged to plan/engage in activities in everyday life. The Activity Engagement Group (experiential BA) instead focuses on engagement in positive experiences (crafts, games, discussion) within the group. The primary aims are to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the two groups in ABI. A secondary aim is to explore relative efficacy of the groups compared to an equivalent period of waitlist controls. Method: This study outlines a parallel-arm pilot feasibility trial for individuals with low mood and ABI that compares a traditional vs experiential BA group vs. waitlist controls. Adults (≥18 years) will be recruited from local ABI services and randomised to condition. Feasibility and acceptability will be assessed via recruitment, retention, attendance, and participant feedback. Groups will be compared (pre- and post-intervention and 1 month follow-up) by assessing self-reported activity engagement. Secondary outcomes include self-report measures of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic distress related to the ABI, motivation, participation, and sense of control over one’s life. Ethics and Dissemination: The trial has been approved by the Health Research Authority of the NHS in the UK (East of England – Cambridge Central, REF: 18/EE/0305). Results will inform future research on interventions for mood in ABI and be disseminated broadly via peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations, and social media.

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Kusec ◽  
Fionnuala C. Murphy ◽  
Polly V. Peers ◽  
Cara Lawrence ◽  
Emma Cameron ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Acquired brain injury (ABI) affects approximately 79.3 million individuals annually and is linked with elevated rates of depression and low mood. Existing methods for treating depression in ABI have shown mixed efficacy. Behavioural activation (BA) is a potentially promising intervention. Its premise is that individuals with low mood avoid planning and engaging in activities due to low expectations of a positive outcome. Consequently, their exposure to positive reinforcement is reduced, exacerbating low mood. BA aims to break this cycle by encouraging activity planning and engagement. It is unknown whether cognitive demands of traditional BA may undermine efficacy in ABI. Here, we assess the feasibility and acceptability of two groups designed to increase activity engagement. In the activity planning group (traditional BA), the importance of meaningful and positive activity will be discussed and participants encouraged to plan/engage in activities in everyday life. The activity engagement group (experiential BA) instead focuses on engagement in positive experiences (crafts, games, discussion) within the group. The primary aims are to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the two groups in ABI. A secondary aim is to explore relative efficacy of the groups compared to an equivalent period of waitlist controls. Method This study outlines a parallel-arm pilot feasibility trial for individuals with low mood and ABI that compares a traditional vs experiential BA group vs waitlist controls. Adults (≥ 18 years) will be recruited from local ABI services and randomised to condition. Feasibility and acceptability will be assessed via recruitment, retention, attendance and participant feedback. Groups will be compared (pre- and post-intervention and 1 month follow-up) by assessing self-reported activity engagement. Secondary outcomes include self-report measures of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic distress related to the ABI, motivation, participation and sense of control over one’s life. Ethics and dissemination The trial has been approved by the Health Research Authority of the NHS in the UK (East of England—Cambridge Central, REF 18/EE/0305). Results will inform future research on interventions for mood in ABI and be disseminated broadly via peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations and social media. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03874650 pre-results. Protocol version 2.1, March 5, 2019


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Kusec ◽  
Fionnuala C. Murphy ◽  
Polly V. Peers ◽  
Cara Lawrence ◽  
Emma Cameron ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Acquired brain injury (ABI) affects approximately 79.3 million individuals annually and is linked with elevated rates of depression and low mood. Existing methods for treating depression in ABI have shown mixed efficacy. Behavioural Activation (BA) is a potentially promising intervention. Its premise is that individuals with low mood avoid planning and engaging in activities due to low expectations of a positive outcome. Consequently, their exposure to positive reinforcement is reduced, exacerbating low mood. BA aims to break this cycle by encouraging activity planning and engagement. It is unknown whether cognitive demands of traditional BA may undermine efficacy in ABI. Here we assess the feasibility and acceptability of two groups designed to increase activity engagement. In the Activity Planning Group (traditional BA) the importance of meaningful and positive activity will be discussed and participants encouraged to plan/engage in activities in everyday life. The Activity Engagement Group (experiential BA) instead focuses on engagement in positive experiences (crafts, games, discussion) within the group. The primary aims are to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the two groups in ABI. A secondary aim is to explore relative efficacy of the groups compared to an equivalent period of waitlist controls. Method: This study outlines a parallel-arm pilot feasibility trial for individuals with low mood and ABI that compares a traditional vs experiential BA group vs. waitlist controls. Adults (>18 years) will be recruited from local ABI services and randomised to condition. Feasibility and acceptability will be assessed via recruitment, retention, attendance, and participant feedback. Groups will be compared (pre- and post-intervention and 1 month follow-up) by assessing self-reported activity engagement. Secondary outcomes include self-report measures of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic distress related to the ABI, motivation, participation, and sense of control over one’s life. Ethics and Dissemination: The trial has been approved by the Health Research Authority of the NHS in the UK (East of England – Cambridge Central, REF: 18/EE/0305). Results will inform future research on interventions for mood in ABI and be disseminated broadly via peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations, and social media. Trial Registration: NCT03874650 Pre-results.Protocol Version: 2.1, March 5 2019Funding Source: Medical Research Council Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit Intramural funding (TM) and the Gates Cambridge Trust (AK).


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Kusec ◽  
Fionnuala C. Murphy ◽  
Polly V. Peers ◽  
Cara Lawrence ◽  
Emma Cameron ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Acquired brain injury (ABI) affects approximately 79.3 million individuals annually and is linked with elevated rates of depression and low mood. Existing methods for treating depression in ABI have shown mixed efficacy. Behavioural Activation (BA) is a potentially promising intervention. Its premise is that individuals with low mood avoid planning and engaging in activities due to low expectations of a positive outcome. Consequently, their exposure to positive reinforcement is reduced, exacerbating low mood. BA aims to break this cycle by encouraging activity planning and engagement. It is unknown whether cognitive demands of traditional BA may undermine efficacy in ABI. Here we assess the feasibility and acceptability of two groups designed to increase activity engagement. In the Activity Planning Group (traditional BA) the importance of meaningful and positive activity will be discussed and participants encouraged to plan/engage in activities in everyday life. The Activity Engagement Group (experiential BA) instead focuses on engagement in positive experiences (crafts, games, discussion) within the group. The primary aims are to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the two groups in ABI. A secondary aim is to explore relative efficacy of the groups compared to an equivalent period of waitlist controls. Method: This study outlines a parallel-arm feasibility pilot trial for individuals with low mood and ABI that compares a traditional vs experiential BA group vs. waitlist controls. Adults (>18 years) will be recruited from local ABI services and randomised to condition. Feasibility and acceptability will be assessed via recruitment, retention, attendance, and participant feedback. Groups will be compared (pre- and post-intervention and 1 month follow-up) by assessing self-reported activity engagement. Secondary outcomes include self-report measures of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic distress related to the ABI, motivation, participation, and sense of control over one’s life.Ethics and Dissemination: The trial has been approved by the Health Research Authority of the NHS in the UK (East of England – Cambridge Central, REF: 18/EE/0305). Results will inform future research on interventions for mood in ABI and be disseminated broadly via peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations, and social media.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kiara H Buccellato ◽  
Michelle Nordstrom ◽  
Justin M Murphy ◽  
Grigore C Burdea ◽  
Kevin Polistico ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction Acquired Brain Injury, whether resulting from Traumatic brain injury (TBI) or Cerebral Vascular Accident (CVA), represent major health concerns for the Department of Defense and the nation. TBI has been referred to as the “signature” injury of recent U.S. military conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan – affecting approximately 380,000 service members from 2000 to 2017; whereas CVA has been estimated to effect 795,000 individuals each year in the United States. TBI and CVA often present with similar motor, cognitive, and emotional deficits; therefore the treatment interventions for both often overlap. The Defense Health Agency and Veterans Health Administration would benefit from enhanced rehabilitation solutions to treat deficits resulting from acquired brain injuries (ABI), including both TBI and CVA. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of implementing a novel, integrative, and intensive virtual rehabilitation system for treating symptoms of ABI in an outpatient clinic. The secondary aim was to evaluate the system’s clinical effectiveness. Materials and Methods Military healthcare beneficiaries with ABI diagnoses completed a 6-week randomized feasibility study of the BrightBrainer Virtual Rehabilitation (BBVR) system in an outpatient military hospital clinic. Twenty-six candidates were screened, consented and randomized, 21 of whom completed the study. The BBVR system is an experimental adjunct ABI therapy program which utilizes virtual reality and repetitive bilateral upper extremity training. Four self-report questionnaires measured participant and provider acceptance of the system. Seven clinical outcomes included the Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Upper Extremity, Box and Blocks Test, Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test, Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics, Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory, Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology-Self-Report, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist- Civilian Version. The statistical analyses used bootstrapping, non-parametric statistics, and multilevel/hierarchical modeling as appropriate. This research was approved by the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences Institutional Review Boards. Results All of the participants and providers reported moderate to high levels of utility, ease of use and satisfaction with the BBVR system (x̄ = 73–86%). Adjunct therapy with the BBVR system trended towards statistical significance for the measure of cognitive function (ANAM [x̄ = −1.07, 95% CI −2.27 to 0.13, p = 0.074]); however, none of the other effects approached significance. Conclusion This research provides evidence for the feasibility of implementing the BBVR system into an outpatient military setting for treatment of ABI symptoms. It is believed these data justify conducting a larger, randomized trial of the clinical effectiveness of the BBVR system.


Author(s):  
Judith M. Burnfield ◽  
Guilherme M. Cesar ◽  
Thad W. Buster

PURPOSE: Walking, fitness, and balance deficits are common following acquired brain injury (ABI). This study assessed feasibility, acceptability, and usefulness of a modified motor-assisted elliptical (ICARE) in addressing walking, fitness, and balance deficits in children with chronic ABIs. METHODS: Three children (>  5 years post-ABI) completed 24 ICARE exercise sessions (exercise time, speed, and time overriding motor-assistance gradually increased) to promote mass repetition of gait-like movements and challenge cardiorespiratory fitness. Parents’ and children’s perceptions of ICARE’s safety, comfort, workout, and usability were assessed. Cardiovascular response, gait and balance outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: No adverse events occurred. Parent’s Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores of perceived device safety (range 80–99), workout (range 99–100), and usability (range 75–100) were high, while comfort were 76–80 given commercial harness fit and arm support. Children’s VAS scores all exceeded 89. Comfortable walking velocity, 2-Minute Walk Test, fitness, and Pediatric Balance Scale scores improved post-training, with many outcomes surpassing established minimal clinically important differences. CONCLUSION: Following engagement in moderate- to vigorous-intensity exercise promoting repetitive step-like movements on a specially adapted motor-assisted elliptical, three children with chronic ABI demonstrated improvements in walking, fitness and balance. Future research in community-based environments with a larger cohort of children with ABI is needed.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Cathy Catroppa ◽  
Edith Botchway ◽  
Nicholas P. Ryan ◽  
Vicki Anderson ◽  
Elle Morrison ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Attention and memory deficits are common following paediatric acquired brain injury (ABI). However, there are few evidence-based interventions to improve these domains and benefit the everyday life of children post-injury. The Amsterdam Memory and Attention Training for children (Amat-c) has been translated from Dutch to English and shown to improve attention and memory skills in children following ABI. This protocol describes a study to expand accessibility of the program by using online, clinician-supported delivery with children post-ABI. Method/design: The study is a randomized controlled trial. Participants will be 40 children aged 8–16 a minimum of one-year post-ABI. Participants in the treatment group will complete 18 weekly sessions of the Amat-c program with weekly online clinician support. Participants in the active-control group will be administered ABI psychoeducation via a booklet for parents, with weekly online clinician contact. Attention and memory will be assessed at three time points up to six months post-intervention. Results: Analysis will be repeated measures multivariate planned comparisons; using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM SPSS Statistics) General Linear Model procedure will compare pre- and post-intervention and six-month follow-up outcomes. Discussion: If shown efficacious in improving attention and memory, our team will then take a key role in implementing Amat-c into clinical care.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. D’Ippolito ◽  
M. Aloisi ◽  
E. Azicnuda ◽  
D. Silvestro ◽  
M. Giustini ◽  
...  

Introduction. Severe acquired brain injury (sABI) is considered the most common cause of death and disability worldwide. sABI patients are supported by their caregivers who often exhibit high rates of psychological distress, mood disorders, and changes in relationship dynamics and family roles.Objectives. To explore lifestyle changes of caregivers of sABI patients during the postacute rehabilitation, by investigating possible differences between primary and secondary caregivers. Primary caregivers spend most of the time with the patient, providing daily care and taking most responsibility for the day-to-day decisions, while secondary caregivers are those who provide additional support.Methods. Three hundred forty-seven caregivers of sABI patients were asked to fill in an unpublished self-report questionnaire to explore their possible lifestyles changes.Results. A statistically significant difference was found between primary and secondary caregivers in time spent in informal caregiving (p<0.001). The primary caregivers reduced all leisure activities compared to secondary carers (p<0.05).Conclusions. By comparing the percentage of leisure activities performed by caregiversbeforeandafterthe patient’s sABI onset, all caregivers showed high percentages of changes in lifestyle and habits, even though primary caregivers reported more negative lifestyle changes than secondary caregivers. Further studies are needed to investigate needs and burden experienced by caregivers of sABI patients during the postacute rehabilitation phase, also in relation to the patients’ outcome, to address support interventions for them and improve their quality of life.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Valerie Burke ◽  
Laura O’Rourke ◽  
Emer Duffy

BACKGROUND: Vocation is a meaningful area of rehabilitation after Acquired Brain Injury (ABI). There is a discrepancy between the number of individuals with an ABI who feel able to work and those who are employed in Ireland. Research suggests that Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) programs enhance Return to Work (RTW) outcomes after ABI, however existing literature is limited. OBJECTIVE: This study explores the experience of engaging in VR post ABI, and its impact upon work self-efficacy. METHODS: A mixed methods case study design was selected to represent the individuality of ABI presentations. Participants completed a qualitative interview at VR follow up (N = 2) and the Work Self-Efficacy Inventory at pre/post VR. RESULTS: Four overarching themes emerged including Stigma, Adjustment, Support and Readiness. RTW challenges included fatigue, accepting support, adjusting to work and stigma. RTW benefits included routine, pride in work, skills development, and empowerment. Wilcoxon signed rank indicated that work self-efficacy scores mildly improved post VR. CONCLUSIONS: This research may inform VR Programs and offers pragmatic clinical implications based on the data. Future research should consider the role that readiness plays in facilitating RTW. Limitations include sample size, a lack of longitudinal data and control group.


2004 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 30-41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pim Kuipers ◽  
Glenys Carlson ◽  
Sandra Bailey ◽  
Anshu Sharma

AbstractCommunity-based rehabilitation for people with acquired brain injury (ABI) is largely driven by goals set in the course of rehabilitation by clients and service providers. A preliminary study investigating the perspectives and practice of experienced rehabilitation coordinators was undertaken to explore issues that influence goal-setting in community rehabilitation settings. Detailed interviews and subsequent rounds of clarification were conducted with six experienced rehabilitation coordinators. Key themes identified through inductive analysis include cognitive influences, other client influences, service provider influences and the client-service provider relationship in the goal-setting process. Based on the findings, a preliminary descriptive schema of goal-setting in a community-based rehabilitation service for people with acquired brain injury is suggested. Factors such as training, experience, and values of the rehabilitation coordinators are also discussed in terms of their influence on goal-setting. Some strategies to assist a person with ABI to identify and work towards achieving realistic goals are identified. Suggestions for enhancing community-based rehabilitation practices with people with ABI, and scope for future research are noted. This paper constitutes a general overview of goal-setting in community-based ABI rehabilitation.


Blood ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 128 (22) ◽  
pp. 5478-5478 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Huberty ◽  
Ryan Eckert ◽  
Krisstina L. Gowin ◽  
Brenda Ginos ◽  
Heidi E. Kosiorek ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction: Polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET), and myelofibrosis (MF) are Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) leading to risk of vascular events, splenomegaly and cytopenias in advanced disease as well as disease-originating symptoms, including (but not limited to) fatigue, depressive symptoms, insomnia, inactivity, sexual problems, and pruritis. Current therapy with JAK inhibition has improved MPN symptom burden, yet even in responders, unmet needs remain for alleviating fatigue, mood related symptoms, and insomnia. Yoga used as non-pharmacologic therapy has been shown to be efficacious for improving anxiety, depression, sleep quality, and fatigue in other cancer populations, including hematological malignancies. Due to a lack of this type of research in MPN patients, we undertook the first yoga study in this population as a feasibility trial (i.e., acceptability, demand, practicality) of home-based, online-streamed yoga for improving MPN patient symptom burden. Methods: MPN patients were recruited nationally using social media. Participants were asked to complete 60 minutes of online-streamed yoga weekly for 12 weeks. The yoga video selection included MPN-specific videos as well as others chosen specifically with potential splenomegaly in mind. Additionally, participants were asked to complete online self-report surveys administered via Qualtrics. Survey measures included demographics, total symptom burden and fatigue (MPN Symptom Assessment Form [MPN SAF]) as well as NIH PROMIS measures of pain, anxiety, depression, sleep, and sexual function. Surveys were administered at baseline (week 0), mid-point (week 7), post-intervention (week 12), and follow-up (week 16). Weekly yoga minutes were collected through online self-report. Results:Patients: Two hundred and forty-four MPN patients completed the eligibility survey, 134 were eligible, 55 completed the informed consent, and 38 MPN patients completed the 12-week intervention. The majority of participants were diagnosed with either PV (n=16) or ET (n=16), with MF being less common (n=6). Additionally, the majority of participants were female (n=34), Caucasian (n=37), married (n=30) of a normal BMI category (n=26), and had attained a Bachelor's degree or higher (n=25). Median age of those participating was 56 years (range 29-72). Yoga Participation & Safety:Approximately 37% (n=14) of study participants averaged ≥60 min/week of yoga. Yoga participation averaged 50.8±36.2 min/week. Additionally, 75% of participants felt safe from injury while participating in online yoga. Only one adverse event was reported (irritated enlarged spleen). Feasibility:Overall, 68% of participants were either satisfied or very satisfied with online yoga and 75% felt that is was helpful for coping with MPN-related symptoms (i.e., acceptability, practicality). However, only 43% of participants reported that they were likely or very likely to continue their online yoga practice (i.e., demand). Impact of Yoga Intervention: From baseline (week 0) to post-intervention (week 12, n=30), there were significant improvements in total symptom burden (effect size [ES] in standard deviation units=-0.36, p=0.004), anxiety (ES=-0.67, p=0.002), depression (ES=-0.41, p=0.049), sleep (ES=-0.58, p<0.001), and fatigue (ES=-0.33, p=0.04). These improvements remained significant at follow-up (week 16, n=28) for all outcome measures with a trend for maintained fatigue improvement (ES=-0.34, p=0.06). There were no significant differences in outcomes between those that averaged <60 min/week of yoga compared to those that averaged ≥60 min/week of yoga. Conclusions: A 12-week, home-based, online-streamed yoga intervention is feasible (i.e., accepted, practical) for MPN patients. Although the sample size was small and there was no control group, the results suggest that online yoga may be effective for improving MPN symptom burden, with statistically significant improvements observed in total symptom burden, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and sleep. A randomized, controlled trial is warranted to evaluate home-based, online-streamed yoga on MPN patient outcomes. If effective, yoga may represent a unique non-pharmacologic complement to standard therapies in a population with a heterogeneous symptom profile and significant symptom burden. Disclosures Gowin: Incyte: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Mesa:Ariad: Consultancy; Galena: Consultancy; Incyte: Research Funding; Gilead: Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy; Promedior: Research Funding; CTI Biopharma: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding.


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