Strategy Based Technique to Enhance Memory (STEM) for Improving New Learning and Memory (NLM) in Moderate to Severe TBI

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The purpose of this research study is to investigate the effectiveness of a memory enhancement technique in persons with a Traumatic Brian Injury (TBI). The study is designed to research how well this technique can help people with TBI improve their memory and their ability to function better in everyday life

Detailed Description
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Impairments in higher level cognitive processing, such as new learning and memory, are common in Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)and negatively impact multiple aspects of everyday life, including occupational and social functioning. Despite this, few studies have attempted to remediate these cognitive deficits in order to improve everyday functioning. While not applied in traditional rehabilitation protocols as of yet, many techniques from cognitive psychology significantly improve learning and memory in healthy persons. These techniques include the generation effect (GE), the spacing effect (SE), and the testing effect (TE). These techniques have recently been incorporated into an 8-session treatment protocol, Stylistic Memory Enhancement (SME), designed to teach participants about each of the techniques, train them on how to apply the techniques in daily life and practice their application to daily life memory demanding situations. The protocol includes teaching participants how to restructure a memory demanding situation in order to make optimal use of self-generation, spaced learning and self-testing.

Official Title
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Strategy Based Technique to Enhance Memory (STEM) for Improving New Learning and Memory (NLM) in Moderate to Severe TBI: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Conditions
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Traumatic Brain Injury, Cognitive Impairment

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: SME


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: In order to participate in this study I must meet the following requirements: I am between the ages of 18-65. I have had a traumatic brain injury (TBI) at least 1 year ago. I can read and speak English fluently. I have difficulties with learning and memory skills. Exclusion Criteria: I have had a prior stroke or neurological injury/disease other than TBI. I have a history of significant psychiatric illness (for example, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or psychosis) or a current diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder I or II. I have a significant alcohol or drug abuse history (inpatient Treatment). I am taking certain medications that might exclude me from the research. The study team will review my medications with me.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 65 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Interventional Model Description: The purpose of this research study is to investigate the effectiveness of a memory enhancement technique in persons with a Traumatic Brian Injury (TBI).
Masking: Double


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: STEM<br>The treatment group (TX) will complete 8 sessions of STEM (2 sessions per week for 4 weeks), Sessions are approximately 30-45 minutes long. | Behavioral: SME<br>* The treatment group (TX) will complete 8 sessions of SME (2 sessions per week for 4 weeks), de-signed to teach the concepts of SG, SL and RP and the application of these techniques in daily life. Sessions are approximately 30-45 minutes long.<br>|
| No Intervention: Controlled<br>During weeks 2-5, one group will undergo a memory enhancement protocol, used to improve memory functioning in individuals with neurological injuries. The other group will serve as a control group and complete memory exercises with the researcher. | |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Self Report Deficits in Daily Life | Perceived Deficits Questionnaire215 •20 items; evaluates everyday situations in which cognition has a role •Cronbach's Alpha (lower bound reliability) = .93 | 5 weeks from baseline (short term follow-up) and 7 months from baseline (long term follow-up) | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Traumatic Brain Injury, Cognitive Impairment, Intervention