Strategic brain training helps individuals with long-lasting TBI

  • A small study finds strategy-based reasoning training has greater benefit for those with persistent TBI difficulties than a knowledge-based training program.

A study showing that a certain type of instructor-led brain training protocol can stimulate structural changes in the brain and neural connections even years after a traumatic brain injury (TBI) challenges the widely held belief that recovery from a TBI is limited to two years after an injury.

The study included 60 adults with TBI symptoms lasting an average of eight years. Participants were randomly placed into one of two cognitive training groups:

  • strategy-based reasoning training called Strategic Memory Advanced Reasoning Training (SMART), focused on selective attention, abstract reasoning, and other thinking strategies
  • knowledge-based training called Brain Health Workshop (BHW), focused on education regarding brain structure and function and the effects of sleep and exercise on the brain performance

Both programs comprised 12 1.5-hour sessions over 8 weeks conducted in small group settings (4–5 participants), and instruction was given using a series of slides.

More specifically, the SMART group was trained to

  • block distractions and irrelevant information and avoid multitasking
  • understand main ideas and take‐home messages
  • examine information from different perspectives.

The BHW group learned about

  • brain anatomy
  • brain function
  • the effects of a TBI on cognitive function
  • the principles of neuroplasticity
  • the impact of diet, physical exercise, sleep, and social activities on brain health.

Those in the strategy-based reasoning training showed a greater change in cortical thickness and connectivity compared to individuals who received the knowledge-based training. Changes in cortical thickness and functional connectivity also correlated to an individual's ability to switch between tasks quickly and consistently to achieve a specific goal.

Moreover, those who showed the greatest change in cortical thickness and connectivity, showed the greatest improvements in cognitive performance.

https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-05/cfb-sbt052217.php

Paper available at https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/brb3.687

Reference: 

Related News

A study which followed 20 members of a youth football team in New Jersey found that wearing padded helmets and using safer tackling and blocking techniques greatly cut the chance of head injuries and concussion.

In a study involving 594 patients with sports-related mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), only 45% had made a clinical recovery (had no more symptoms) after 14 days. The finding challenges current belief that most people with a sports-related mTBI recover within 10 to 14 days

A randomized clinical trial involving 103 teenage athletes who sustained concussions while playing sports found that those who underwent a supervised, aerobic exercise program took significantly less time to recover compared to those who instead engaged in mild stretching.

New method finds undetected brain impairments in ice hockey players with and without diagnosed concussions

The American Academy of Pediatric now supports children and teens engaging in light physical activity and returning to school as they recover. It also now advises against complete removal of electronic devices, such as television, computers and smartphones, following a concussion.

Can stronger necks reduce concussion risk & severity?

A review of nearly 2.8 million patient cases in Denmark found that the risk of dementia in individuals with a history of TBI was 24% higher than those without a history of TBI, after accounting for other risk factors.

Key points that are new in the 5th International Consensus statement on concussion in sport:

A small study involving 71 adults who struggled with persistent cognitive difficulties after suffering a traumatic brain injury at least four months before has compared two cognitive training programs with and without drug therapy.

The two six-week programs were

A systematic literature review of computerized training for attention and executive function in adults who suffered a brain injury (TBI or stroke) has concluded that there is encouraging evidence that such programs can help.

Pages

Subscribe to Latest newsSubscribe to Latest newsSubscribe to Latest health newsSubscribe to Latest news
Error | About memory

Error

The website encountered an unexpected error. Please try again later.