Evaluation of an attention and memory intervention post-childhood acquired brain injury: Preliminary efficacy, immediate and 6 months post-intervention

Brain Injury ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 29 (11) ◽  
pp. 1317-1324 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cathy Catroppa ◽  
Kate Stone ◽  
Stephen J. C. Hearps ◽  
Cheryl Soo ◽  
Vicki Anderson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brain Injury ◽  
Acquired Brain Injury ◽  
Attention And Memory ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Memory Intervention

Evaluating the feasibility and efficacy of the Amsterdam memory and attention training for children (Amat-c) following acquired brain injury (ABI): protocol for a pilot study with online clinician support

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Cathy Catroppa ◽  
Edith Botchway ◽  
Nicholas P. Ryan ◽  
Vicki Anderson ◽  
Elle Morrison ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brain Injury ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Clinical Care ◽  
Acquired Brain Injury ◽  
Attention Training ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Attention And Memory ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Memory And Attention ◽  
Clinician Support

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.

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

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Kusec ◽  
Fionnuala C. Murphy ◽  
Polly V. Peers ◽  
Cara Lawrence ◽  
Emma Cameron ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brain Injury ◽  
Positive Reinforcement ◽  
Acquired Brain Injury ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Feasibility Trial ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Activity Engagement ◽  
Low Mood ◽  
Activity Planning

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

A Multidisciplinary Social Communication and Coping Skills Group Intervention for Adults with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI): A Pilot Feasibility Study in an Inpatient Setting

2011 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 210-222 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sally Appleton ◽  
Allyson Browne ◽  
Natalie Ciccone ◽  
Kim Fong ◽  
Graeme Hankey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brain Injury ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Social Communication ◽  
Group Intervention ◽  
Coping Skills ◽  
Acquired Brain Injury ◽  
Group Program ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Skills Group ◽  
And Coping

AbstractThere is evidence that individuals with an acquired brain injury (ABI) are at increased risk of developing psychological problems and that they commonly experience difficulties in social communication, associated with poorer long-term outcomes. Although several relevant group interventions have been evaluated, there has been limited exploration of the feasibility of an ABI inpatient intervention. This nonrandomised pilot study tested the feasibility of an inpatient multidisciplinary social communication and coping skills group intervention within 1-year post traumatic/nontraumatic ABI. Seven participants completed a 4-week group program (3 × 1 hour sessions per week) facilitated by a speech pathologist and clinical psychologist and were assessed pre/post intervention and at 3 months with the La Trobe Communication Questionnaire, Correct Information Unit analysis, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, Coping Self-Efficacy scale and World Health Organization Quality of Life assessment. Most participants improved between baseline and 3 months post intervention in terms of greater informativeness and efficiency of connected speech and reduced anxiety and they provided positive feedback about the group program. Despite the challenges and limitations of this pilot study, the findings are encouraging and support both the value and feasibility of developing such a program into routine inpatient rehabilitation services.

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

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Kusec ◽  
Fionnuala C. Murphy ◽  
Polly V. Peers ◽  
Cara Lawrence ◽  
Emma Cameron ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brain Injury ◽  
Positive Reinforcement ◽  
Pilot Trial ◽  
Acquired Brain Injury ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Activity Engagement ◽  
Low Mood ◽  
Activity Planning

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.

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 ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brain Injury ◽  
Positive Reinforcement ◽  
Acquired Brain Injury ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Feasibility Trial ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Activity Engagement ◽  
Low Mood ◽  
Activity Planning

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.

Long-term maintenance of treatment effects following intervention for families with children who have acquired brain injury

2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 70-82 ◽  
Author(s):  
Damith T. Woods ◽  
Cathy Catroppa ◽  
Celia Godfrey ◽  
Vicki A. Anderson
Keyword(s):  
Brain Injury ◽  
Treatment Effects ◽  
Injury Severity ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Acquired Brain Injury ◽  
Behavioural Intervention ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Long Term Treatment

Purpose – Where no psychosocial or interventional support is provided, children with acquired brain injury (ABI) are at significant risk of serious long-term behavioural and social difficulties. The purpose of this paper is to report the six- and 18-month long-term treatment effects of a family centred behavioural intervention to help families manage and prevent challenging behaviours in children following ABI. Design/methodology/approach – In total, 31 parents were followed up at three time points (post-intervention, 6 and 18 months) after participating in an ABI adapted manualised “Signposts for Building Better Behaviour” programme (Hudson et al., 2003). Findings – Attrition rates were highest amongst families caring for a child with mild ABI. The maintenance of treatment effects were detailed for those families who reported a reduction in challenging behaviour immediately post-intervention. There were no significant elevations in challenging child behaviour, maladaptive parenting, or family dysfunction for any participants over the long-term follow-up. Irrespective of injury severity, parents reported high levels of satisfaction and efficacy in the parenting role at 18 months post-intervention. Originality/value – “Signposts” has further demonstrated its clinical viability by meeting the needs of parents who have a child with ABI in both the short- and longer-term.

scholarly journals The Functional and Structural Neural Correlates of Dynamic Balance Impairment and Recovery in Persons with Acquired Brain Injury

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherin Joubran ◽  
Simona Bar-Haim ◽  
Lior Shmuelof
Keyword(s):  
Brain Injury ◽  
Brain Volume ◽  
Balance Control ◽  
Dynamic Balance ◽  
Chronic Phase ◽  
Acquired Brain Injury ◽  
Structural Mri ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Balance Impairment ◽  
Rehabilitation Treatment

Abstract Dynamic balance depends on the interaction between multiple brain networks and is impaired following Acquired Brain Injury (ABI). This study aims to characterize the brain functional and structural correlates of ABI-induced dynamic balance impairment and recovery at the chronic-phase following a rehabilitation treatment. 31 participants participated in a novel rehabilitation treatment composed of 22 sessions of perturbation training. Dynamic balance was assessed using the Community Balance and Mobility scale (CB&M) and the 10-Meter Walking Test (10MWT). Brain function was assessed based on resting-state fMRI scans which were analysed using independent component analysis (ICA), and regions of interest analyses. Brain volume was assessed using structural MRI and compared to age-matched and elderly participants. ICA revealed a reduction in component-related activation within the sensorimotor and cerebellar networks post-intervention (p < 0.035). Improvement in CB&M scale was associated with a reduction in FC within the cerebellar network (p = 0.023) and with baseline FC within the cerebellar-putamen (p = 0.002) and cerebellar-thalamic networks (p = 0.026). Improvement in 10MWT was associated with baseline FC within the cerebellar-putamen (p = 0.012) and cerebellar-cortical networks (p = 0.017, p = 0.004, p < 0.001and p = 0.005). A global brain volume reduction was found in the ABI-group when compared to the age-matched controls (p < 0.001), which was negatively associated with ABI chronicity, but not associated with CB&M scale. Our results show that dynamic balance recovery is associated with FC changes within and between the cerebellar and sensorimotor networks that are consistent with the contribution of modularity to balance control and recovery. The diffused atrophy post-ABI indicates that ABI led to a degenerative process.

Systematic Review of Sensory Stimulation Programs in the Rehabilitation of Acquired Brain Injury

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-21
Author(s):  
Joana O. Pinto ◽  
Artemisa R. Dores ◽  
Bruno Peixoto ◽  
Andreia Geraldo ◽  
Fernando Barbosa
Keyword(s):  
Brain Injury ◽  
Discrimination Training ◽  
Acquired Brain Injury ◽  
Cochrane Collaboration ◽  
Sensory Stimulation ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
The Cochrane Collaboration

Abstract. Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) can lead to sensory deficits and compromise functionality. However, most studies have been focused on motor stimulation in stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Sensory stimulation in stroke and mild/moderate TBI has received reduced interest. The main objective of this review is to know the methodological characteristics and effects of sensory programs in ABI. Studies with the purpose of testing the efficacy of those programs were identified through a literature search, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and the Cochrane Collaboration Guidelines. Twenty-three studies were included in this review. The results show that in most studies sensory stimulation started within 12 months after injury and there is no consensus regarding frequency, duration and number of sessions, duration of intervention, and instruments used to assess outcomes. Most programs involved unisensory stimulation, and vision was the predominant target. The most used methods were compensation and somatosensory discrimination training. Most studies used a pre- and post-intervention assessment, with few studies comprising follow-up assessment. Regarding the studies revised, the interventions with positive outcomes in ABI are: compensation, cognitive training, vestibular intervention, somatosensory discrimination training, proprioceptive stimulation with muscle vibration, and sustained attention training with olfactory stimulation. Available findings suggest that sensory stimulation has positive results with immediate and long-term improvements in sensory functioning. This review provides useful information to improve rehabilitation and to design future investigation.

Improving Self-awareness After Acquired Brain Injury Leads to Enhancements in Patients’ Daily Living Functionality

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 268-275 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dolores Villalobos ◽  
Álvaro Bilbao ◽  
Francisco López-Muñoz ◽  
Javier Pacios
Keyword(s):  
Brain Injury ◽  
Functional Outcome ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Acquired Brain Injury ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Self Awareness ◽  
Intervention Programme ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Control Group Design ◽  
Awareness Level

AbstractObjective:To explore whether the improvement in self-awareness induced by a structured intervention programme in patients suffering a brain injury is associated with an enhancement in their functional outcomes.Method:This study uses a pre- and post-test control group design with a sample of 56 patients with acquired brain injury randomly assigned to an experimental and a control group. Pre- and post-intervention measurements were self-awareness (using a previously developed scale) and functional outcome (using the Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale).Results:Patients who received the intervention programme showed a greater improvement in their self-awareness level and functional outcome than patients in the control group. Additionally, the correlation analyses between improvements at both measures showed a relation between improvement in self-awareness and improvement in functional outcome, especially when the pre-treatment self-awareness level was considered.Conclusions:Implementing an intervention programme in self-awareness, in the context of a global rehabilitation process of patients with acquired brain injury, is useful for improving their self-awareness level and the functionality in their daily activities.

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